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Elders' statement on Zim's refusal to grant them entry
ZimOnline
November 24, 2008

http://www.zimonline.co.za/Article.aspx?ArticleId=3941

The Elders' delegation cancelled its trip to Zimbabwe this weekend after it was refused entry into the country for a humanitarian mission, it announced on Saturday.

The Elders' delegation has three members, former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, former United States president Jimmy Carter and international advocate for women's and children's rights Graca Machel.

"We need no red carpet treatment from the government of Zimbabwe," said Annan. "We seek no permission other than permission to help the poor and the desperate.

"However the refusal of the Zimbabwean government to facilitate our visit in any way has made it impossible for us to travel at this time." Annan said millions of people are in need of help in Zimbabwe.

"We want to use our influence to increase the flow of assistance, immediately and in the longer term, to stop the terrible suffering. We are here to show solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe and to assure them that they are not alone," he said.

Machel said she was "extremely" disappointed that they were unable to visit the country.

"We want to talk to the people and hear their stories directly. We want people to know that we care, and that we will do all we can to help them. People are dying from hunger every day in Zimbabwe and hospitals are unable to treat the sick."

"With schools struggling to stay open, children are missing out on an education. One in four children has lost one or both parents. "The government's attitude to our visit is deeply regrettable," she said.

President Jimmy Carter, who actively supported Zimbabwe's liberation struggle while in office, said: "I am partisan. I make no apology for that.

"I supported Zimbabwe's liberation struggle and I oppose suffering and misery. But I am very sorry that we are unable to visit Zimbabwe."

"We will continue with our plans to learn as much as we can while we are here in the region, where millions of Zimbabweans inside and outside the country face a daily struggle for survival."

The Elders will remain in South Africa to brief themselves as fully as possible about the situation in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries.

They will speak to humanitarian agency representatives, civil society organisers, business people and officials from Zimbabwe, South Africa and the region.

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