'Zim must reform to be rescued'
09/07/2007 14:57  - (SA)  

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Johannesburg - While it is in South Africa's best interest to stop the Zimbabwean economy's freefall into chaos, it is equally important that any proposed rescue plan is linked to political reforms in the country, the Democratic Alliance says.

"All too often, Robert Mugabe went back on his word and proved time and time again that he cannot be trusted," the official opposition party charged.

Before SA or any other SADC countries financially assists Zimbabwe, they must prove that political reforms have taken place.

"These would include a complete halt to the systematic oppression of the opposition, the lifting of restrictions imposed on the media, and a commitment to hold fresh elections that are monitored by regional and international observers."

The party also said that the SADC and the broader international community help to shoulder the burden of any financial commitment made to Zimbabwe.

"Ultimately, any financial assistance package as well as plans to extend the rand monetary area into Zimbabwe must not be used to prop up the increasingly tyrannical rule of Robert Mugabe. It can and should only be used to restore democracy and the rule of law in our northern neighbour," the DA said.

If the government does decide to provide financial assistance, it must bring South Africans into its confidence as they have every right to know how their money is being used.

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