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Statement of The Elders on Zimbabwe
The Elders
June 30, 2008

The crisis in Zimbabwe requires leadership, wisdom and moral courage that the African Union can provide. As leaders gather for the African Union summit in Sharm El Sheikh today, we ask that they clearly state that the results of the June 27 elections in Zimbabwe are illegitimate - for they occurred under the cloud of targeted political violence, precipitating the withdrawal of one of the two candidates. The African election observers left no doubt: the elections were neither free nor fair.

Secondly, we ask that the African Union's brave leaders appoint a special envoy to pursue a robust mediation effort, working across the parties to build confidence, create a transitional government; prepare for free and fair elections; and start a process of national reconciliation.

Third, we ask that the AU require that the Zimbabwe's current government meet its responsibility to protect its citizens by bringing an end to political violence and abuses of human rights and by reversing its decision to suspend the work of aid agencies.

The crisis in Zimbabwe affects all Africans. And the fate of all Zimbabweans is on our conscience. The African Union has a commitment to good governance, justice, respect for human rights and the rule of law. Its leadership is needed at this pivotal moment. It can help Zimbabwe return to the greatness that inspired so many of us during its proud history.

Let us be inspired again.

Note to Editors
*Nelson Mandela announced the formation of The Elders, July 18th, 2007 in Johannesburg South Africa on the occasion of his 89th birthday. Founding members of The Elders are: Graça Machel, Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan, Ela Bhatt, Lakhdar Brahimi, Gro Harlem Brundtland, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson and Muhammad Yunus.

"This group can speak freely and boldly, working both publicly and behind the scenes on whatever actions need to be taken," Mandela commented. "Together we will work to support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict, and inspire hope where there is despair."

The Elders will use their unique collective skills to catalyze peaceful resolutions to long-standing conflicts, articulate new approaches to global issues that are or may cause immense human suffering, and share wisdom by helping to connect voices all over the world.

For more information visit: www.theelders.org. For media enquiries: Sara Latham (+44 7787 524 101) Or please email: media@theelders.org

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