Status on the Change of Diplomacy and Policy Direction with regard to Negotiations in Zimbabwe

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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR ORAL REPLY

QUESTION NO: 34 (NO327E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 3-2012 OF 21 FEBRUARY 2012

MR M G P LEKOTA (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

Whether she intends to pronounce a vigorous and robust change of diplomacy and policy direction with regard to negotiations in Zimbabwe; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

No. South Africa does not intend to pronounce any policy change with regard to her facilitation efforts in Zimbabwe. As mandated by SADC, President Zuma continues with his facilitation assisting the political leadership in Zimbabwe to implement the Global Political Agreement (GPA). In the recent past, the facilitation process has progressed to the extent that the parties have finalised drafting an election roadmap. Furthermore, the Constitutional Parliamentary Select Committee (COPAC), as provided for in the GPA, is drafting a new constitution which should be presented to the Zimbabwean electorate through a referendum after which an election can be held.

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