Zim is Africa's problem

2003-10-30 19:03

Pretoria - Africa should solve the Zimbabwean problem in the interests of that country's people and the continent as a whole, German vice-chancellor Joschka Fischer said on Thursday.

"What we try to do is to encourage all our friends in Africa to solve this problem, this crisis, based on common values and in the interests of the Zimbabwean people," he told reporters in Pretoria.

"We will continue these discussions because we believe that with Zimbabwe on a democratic track, on a track of development, the positive influence (for) this region... but also for the whole continent will be very important."

Fischer was speaking after co-chairing the fourth session of the South Africa-German bi-national commission with deputy president Jacob Zuma.

He said Germany believed that South Africa and the southern African region should be the cornerstone for peace, stability and development in Africa.

South Africa was one of the most important, possibly even the most important, voice in Africa and the world, Fischer said.

"Zimbabwe could be in a similar situation. Its potential is great and it is a pity, a real drama, the situation in which the country is."

He declined to go into the details of discussions held on the issue.

Moral responsibility

Also on the agenda was the role of German pharmaceutical companies in ensuring easier access for people in developing countries to HIV/Aids drugs.

"We have the political but also the moral responsibility to do the utmost and to bring all the pharmaceutical possibilities to the developing countries," Fischer said.

Other issues discussed included the need for effective multilateralism and United Nations reform, the New Partnership for Africa's Development, regional and international conflicts, and co-operation between European Union and African Union.

Fischer stressed the importance of resolving the impasse in global trade talks.

In his closing statement, Zuma said he was delighted about proposals at the meeting for the joint celebration of South Africa's 10th anniversary of democracy next year by the two countries.

He also welcomed an agreement to strengthen co-operation in human resource and skills development - a key priority for South Africa.

Both men described the talks as positive and fruitful and not mere lip-service.

- SAPA