I thank the democratically elected Members of Parliament – all of them, Zanu (PF), members of the MDC and the independent parliamentarian. Already you have shown a willingness to work across party lines to get things done. You are a model for the executive branch created out of today’s agreement to follow.
Most importantly, I would like to thank the people of Zimbabwe, for adhering to the principles of peaceful, democratic change and for not wavering from these principles even in the face of hardship. I salute you.
I have signed this agreement because I believe it represents the best opportunity for us to build a peaceful, prosperous, democratic Zimbabwe. I have signed this agreement because my belief in Zimbabwe and its peoples runs deeper than the scars I bear from the struggle. I have signed this agreement because my hope for the future is stronger than the grief I feel for the needless suffering of the past years.
This does not mean we must forget about the past decades of hardship and struggles. Only through a public acknowledgement of past wrongs can we begin the process of national healing. Looking back provides me with the energy to move forward.
The agreement we sign to day is a product of painful compromise. It does not provide an instant cure for the ills that pervade our society and our country. The road ahead is long and will not be easy. Indeed, the partners in this new, inclusive government cannot alone provide the solutions to the problems facing the country. All we can do, and we will do, is to work together to establish the environment where every Zimbabwean has the opportunity to contribute to solving the problems we face.
This agreement sees the return of hope to all our lives …Â but hope alone will not deliver our New Zimbabwe. In this we all have an essential role to play. In this new struggle for a new beginning, we will require the support, perseverance and patience of the people.
As Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, I call on the supporters of both Zanu (PF) and the MDC to unite with all Zimbabweans, to put the interests of our nation and our people first and to work together for a New Zimbabwe. Divisions, polarization and hatred belong to the past.
Party divisions and party brands no longer matter to the people of Zimbabwe. We must all unite to solve to the problems facing the nation. Our new Government recognizes the hardships faced by the people today and addressing these will be our main priority. First we will stop the devastating food shortages.
The policies of the past years have made Zimbabwe a nation where the healthy flee and the sickly die. Warmhearted and generous people from around the globe have come to Zimbabwe to bring food to our starving peopleâ€â€And they found our door was locked. The first priority of the government is to unlock the food already in our country and distribute it to our people.
And so, In the sight of the world, with the hopes of our people, praying for the wisdom from almighty God, I sign this agreement and enter a new government and a way forward to new era of prosperity and democracy for all Zimbabweans.