Minister for Foreign Affairs Condemns Repression of Opposition in Zimbabwe

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D., has strongly condemned reports of violence and intimidation directed against opposition supporters by security forces in Zimbabwe, following the continuing failure to release final presidential election results in that country.

“We have received credible reports of increased violence and intimidatory tactics being directed by Zimbabwean security forces against supporters of the Movement for Democratic Change and other opposition supporters, as the political crisis in Zimbabwe deepens. This yet again highlights the need for the final results of the presidential election held on 29 March to be released immediately, in order to allay the very real concerns that an attempt is underway to subvert the democratic verdict of the Zimbabwean electorate.”

Noting the important role which Zimbabwe’s neighbours can play in helping to resolve the current crisis, Minister Ahern added: “I very much welcome the clear call made by the extraordinary Summit of SADC (Southern Africa Development Community) leaders on 13 April for the final results to be issued expeditiously and urging strict compliance with the rule of law and SADC’s own principles for the conduct of democratic elections.  I equally welcome the similar call which has been made by the Secretary General of the United Nations.”

“All  this is a very clear recognition of the major political crisis now unfolding within Zimbabwe and its implications for democratic governance within the broader Southern Africa region. The Government, both nationally and at EU level, intends to continue working closely with our partners in Africa and all those in the wider international community committed to working for the political and economic reforms in Zimbabwe which become more urgent with each passing day.” 

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Press
15 April 2008