DATE=5/25/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SAF / ZIMBABWE (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-262807
BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA
DATELINE=JOHANNESBURG
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: South Africa's ruling African National
Congress party has denied there are any differences
within its ranks over the prospects for free and fair
elections in neighboring Zimbabwe. V-O-A
Correspondent Alex Belida reports from Johannesburg,
where there have been contradictory statements from
ruling party officials.
TEXT: The African National Congress says suggestions
of an internal rift over the party's approach to
Zimbabwe are aimed at creating public confusion. It
also says criticism of the party is designed to
obscure the constructive role being played by South
Africa and President Thabo Mbeki in efforts to bring
about a lasting solution to the Zimbabwean crisis.
Addressing Parliament in Cape Town (Thursday), A-N-C
chief whip Tony Yengeni introduced a motion asserting
that the party's position is unanimous.
/// A-N-C SPOKESMAN ACTUALITY ///
The A-N-C position on Zimbabwe is unanimous and
emphasizing on the need for the rule of law,
political tolerance, and respect for human
rights, an equitable land and wealth
distribution program, and the need for Britain
to honor the 1980 Lancaster House agreements.
/// END ACTUALITY ///
But it was clear within minutes that damage had
already been done to the ruling party's credibility by
seemingly contradictory statements earlier in the week
on the Zimbabwean situation. Opposition Democratic
Party representative Douglas Gibson rose in Parliament
(Thursday) to introduce another motion.
/// DEMOCRATIC PARTY OFFICIAL ///
I hereby give notice that I intend moving the
following motion on behalf of the Democratic
Party: that it is clear that there are serious
contradictions within the A-N-C over President
Mbeki's approach to Zimbabwe (boos, calls by
speaker for order)
/// END ACTUALITY ///
The opposition criticism follows the introduction
earlier this week of another motion by a top A-N-C
official (Pallo Jordan) charging that violence and
intimidation in Zimbabwe have severely compromised the
possibility of free and fair elections. That motion
was viewed by analysts as a significant toughening of
South Africa's attitude to the Zimbabwean crisis.
But within a day, President Mbeki, the A-N-C's leader,
was quoted as telling reporters while visiting the
United States that it was wrong for anyone to prejudge
the quality of Zimbabwe's vote next month.
/// OPT /// The South African Press Agency reports
the A-N-C official who drafted the controversial
motion repudiated by Mr. Mbeki has now resigned from
the party. SAPA reports Pieter Venter, the ruling
party's media officer in Parliament, quit after
telling reporters his critical motion had been
sanctioned by the A-N-C. But Mr. Venter says the
party panicked after seeing news media reports about a
hardening of the A-N-C's stance. /// END OPT ///
Mr. Mbeki has come under fire in South Africa for
failing to condemn the political violence that has
erupted in Zimbabwe and left nearly two dozen people
dead and scores more injured.
/// REST OPTIONAL ///
The South African parliamentary debate on Zimbabwe
coincided with observations of "Africa Day" in South
Africa. The A-N-C called in a statement for a renewed
commitment to "peace, democracy and prosperity" on the
continent and especially the speedy resolution of
current conflicts.
The ruling party statement specifically urged South
Africans to show their solidarity with the displaced
suffering people of Angola by donating funds,
clothing, food, and other supplies. It said South
Africa owed the people of Angola a debt of gratitude
for their support in the struggle against white-
minority rule. (Signed)
NEB/BEL/JWH/ENE/KBK
25-May-2000 12:10 PM EDT (25-May-2000 1610 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
