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Removing Mugabe is not a solution for Zimbabwe: US
16 Jun 2011 at 14:58hrs | Views
The United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe Charles Ray on Thursday said removing President Robert Mugabe alone from power is not a solution for Zimbabwe.
Addressing journalists in Bulawayo on Thursday morning Ray said what was needed was to change the system of governance not individuals.
"There is no way you can build a house from the roof. You have to start from the foundation going to the top. So I don't think removing Mugabe will change anything. What is needed is to change the system of governance. Some people might argue about this is, but removing him from power will only see minor positive developments in the country," said Ray.
Ray also added that he doesn't see the reason why Zanu-PF is pushing for elections this year.
"SADC is working on the issue of Zimbabwe elections and I don't see any reason why some political party is pushing for elections this year. Elections should be held at a time when every Zimbabwean is free to participate," said the US envoy.
Leaders from the 15-nation SADC on Sunday at the Johannesburg summit called on Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to quicken implementation of their power-sharing agreement known as the global political agreement (GPA) that gave birth to the Harare unity government in February 2009.
They also resolved that the inclusive government in Zimbabwe should complete all the steps necessary for the holding of the election including the finalisation of the constitutional amendment and the referendum and that SADC should assist Zimbabwe to formulate guidelines that will assist in holding an election that will be peaceful, free and fair, in accordance with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.
Addressing journalists in Bulawayo on Thursday morning Ray said what was needed was to change the system of governance not individuals.
"There is no way you can build a house from the roof. You have to start from the foundation going to the top. So I don't think removing Mugabe will change anything. What is needed is to change the system of governance. Some people might argue about this is, but removing him from power will only see minor positive developments in the country," said Ray.
"SADC is working on the issue of Zimbabwe elections and I don't see any reason why some political party is pushing for elections this year. Elections should be held at a time when every Zimbabwean is free to participate," said the US envoy.
Leaders from the 15-nation SADC on Sunday at the Johannesburg summit called on Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to quicken implementation of their power-sharing agreement known as the global political agreement (GPA) that gave birth to the Harare unity government in February 2009.
They also resolved that the inclusive government in Zimbabwe should complete all the steps necessary for the holding of the election including the finalisation of the constitutional amendment and the referendum and that SADC should assist Zimbabwe to formulate guidelines that will assist in holding an election that will be peaceful, free and fair, in accordance with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.
Source - RadioVop
