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This article participates on the following special index pages:
2002 Presidential & Harare Municipal elections - Index of articles
Review of SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections - Opinion and Analysis
Secretary-General
strongly supports SADC efforts to facilitate free, fair elections in Zimbabwe
United Nations
January 15, 2002
SG/SM/8100
AFR/369
The following statement
was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
The Secretary-General
welcomes the urgent attention given to the situation in Zimbabwe by the
Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held in Malawi
on 14 January. He notes the firm assurances given to the Summit by the
Government of Zimbabwe on the free and fair conduct of the approaching
elections.
The Secretary-General
is acutely concerned by the promulgation in Zimbabwe of laws that would
severely restrict the ability of political parties to campaign freely,
and would limit the freedom of the press. He emphasizes that freedom of
assembly and association, as well as free and vigorous mass media, protected
by a strong and independent judiciary, are essential building blocks of
democracy. These are key features of the New Partnership for African Development,
to which all African states have subscribed –- and indeed, basic principles
of SADC itself.
The Secretary-General
is aware of the importance of Zimbabwe to Central and Southern Africa,
and strongly supports the steps taken by the SADC to facilitate free and
fair elections in Zimbabwe. He encourages the Government of Zimbabwe to
implement fully and faithfully the actions it has promised to take, including
ensuring freedom of speech and assembly, admitting international observers,
investigating political violence and scrupulously respecting the rule
of law.
For further details,
contact:
Office of the UN Resident Coordinator
9th Floor Takura House 67 - 69 Union Avenue
P. O. Box 4775 Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: (263 4) 792687/793051
Fax: (263 4) 792 978
Email: fo.zwe@undp.org
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