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SADC extraordinary summit planned
The Independent (Zimbabwe)
April 08, 2011

http://www.theindependent.co.zw/local/30608-sadc-plans-extraordinary-summit-on-zim-.html

An extraordinary Sadc heads of state summit has been slated for next month as regional leaders move to decisively deal with Zimbabwe's protracted political stalemate, amid mounting diplomatic tensions among leaders.

Diplomats based at the Sadc headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana, said this week consultations within the region have almost been completed and there was consensus that the special Sadc summit - the supreme policy-making body of the regional association - should be held on May 20. The venue is yet to be finalised.

"There is going to be an extraordinary summit next month on Zimbabwe and Madagascar," a senior Sadc diplomat told the Zimbabwe Independent yesterday. "The situation in Zimbabwe and Madagascar has changed so much and is fluid. We can't wait until August for the regular summit to discuss those countries. We need to move as a matter of urgency to prevent further deterioration in those countries."

Consultations about the extraordinary summit reached their height last week during the Sadc meeting of the Troika of the organ of politics, defence and security at Livingstone, Zambia. The Livingstone summit was attended by Troika chair, Zambian President Rupiah Banda, South African President Jacob Zuma, who is the troika deputy chair and facilitator, and outgoing chair Armando Guebuza.

Sadc chair, Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba, also attended.

The extraordinary summit would bring together both Troika of the summit and the organ on politics, defence and security. The Troika of the organ has Banda, Zuma and Guebuza, while the Troika of the Sadc summit has Pohamba (AU chair) Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos and DRC President Joseph Kabila.

The Troikas are composed of the current chair, the deputy and outgoing chair.

Diplomatic sources said the leaders agreed the extraordinary summit must be held soon to decisively deal with Zimbabwe and Madagascar. Mozambican Foreign Minister Oldemiro Baloi has confirmed the special meeting.

"The political situation in Madagascar and Zimbabwe remains difficult, requiring a great deal of effort, not only from the region, but from those countries themselves," Baloi was quoted as saying in the Mozambican press.

He said the Zimbabwe and Madagascar situations were complex and needed to be dealt with firmly.

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