Minister for Foreign Affairs, welcomes agreement reached in the mediated inter-party talks on a government of national unity in Zimbabwe

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheál Martin T.D., has welcomed in principle the agreement that has been reached in the mediated inter-party talks to establish a transitional government of national unity in Zimbabwe.

The Minister said:  "I have been following these negotiations closely. The fact that a power-sharing agreement was reached last night, under the mediation of President Mbeki, is a first step towards the restoration of normal democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. I await details of the terms agreed which I hope will fully respect the democratic will of the Zimbabwean people.

The goodwill shown by the parties in reaching this agreement will be increasingly called on in the coming weeks and months. The new government faces enormous challenges in tackling the political, economic and humanitarian crisis which currently grip Zimbabwe. The terms of the agreement will be carefully examined by the Government and we will follow closely their implementation.

I should like finally to pay tribute to President Mbeki for his determined mediation efforts to bring about an agreement."

ENDS

Press Office

14/09/08