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'Zim democracy first, then aid'
22/01/2004 19:34 - (SA)
Pretoria - German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on Thursday discussed problems in Zimbabwe with President Thabo Mbeki, saying Germany could help South Africa's neighbour only once democracy had been restored there.
Mbeki said Robert Mugabe's government and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change "will soon enter into formal negotiations" on resolving the country's political crisis.
However, his statement was dismissed by the MDC, which said Mbeki had said the same thing during a visit to Harare in December.
Schroeder, on the penultimate leg of a landmark four-nation African tour, said he was impressed by Mbeki's policy on Zimbabwe, generally described as "quiet diplomacy".
However, Germany could become involved in Zimbabwe "only once democracy is restored" there.
"I do not think Germany can play an active role in the conflict, but once democracy is restored there are a number of things we can do," said the chancellor.
The European Union in 2002 imposed travel restrictions on 72 of Zimbabwe's top government and ruling party officials, including Mugabe, accusing them of human-rights abuses and electoral fraud.
Can provide bilateral assistance
After the return of democracy, said Schroeder, flanking Mbeki at a media conference in Pretoria, "We can work to have the European sanctions lifted and help the private sector restore the economy."
"We can also provide bilateral assistance as we do to other countries."
Mbeki had said earlier: "I'm pleased to say the two sides have agreed to enter into formal negotiations. They will soon enter into formal negotiations.
"This process has been disrupted only by the Christmas and New Year's holiday," he added, emphasising that only Zimbabwe's leaders could find a solution to the country's political crisis.
In Harare, MDC spokesperson William Bango said: "What Mbeki has said is nothing new, other than what he said in December (when he visited Harare).
"It's a position which was communicated to him during his visit in December, but there is nothing that has taken place here."
Zimbabwe's economy is in a deep recession, with the official annual inflation rate just under 600% in December.
Mbeki said: "We are keeping a watch, but what really has to happen is that the Zimbabwean political leadership themselves have to come up with a joint programme to deal with their very serious problems."
- AFP
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