HARARE South African leader Jacob Zuma said relations between Pretoria and Harare should go beyond their common historical affinities to include a culture of good governance and respect for peoples rights an apparent reminder that South Africa would no longer side with Zimbabwe in the face of international criticism. (Pictured: Jacob Zuma)In a veiled attack on Mugabe, Zuma said relations among African countries should not be based entirely on their common boundaries or shared histories of armed struggle against colonialism but on the respect of values that promote good governance.
The promotion of democracy, respect of human rights and improvement of governance are also vital to the continents development, the African National Congress (ANC) leader said, while officially opening Zimbabwes annual agricultural show Friday.
This was an apparent shift from Pretorias previous quiet diplomacy stance which has been abused Mugabes Zanu (PF) to escape international censure. Zanu (PF) has previously raised the historical card whenever its track record has come under fire.
Mugabes party felt the ANC owes it support for assisting the South African party in its own fight against apartheid.
Zuma urged parties to Zimbabwes Global Political Agreement (GPA) to respect the commitments made when they signed the pact last September, saying doing so would show a sceptical international community that the country was ready for reengagement.
We appeal to the international community to lift sanctions against Zimbabwe but at the same time we also emphasise to the parties in Zimbabwe to work together to remove any remaining impediments to the agreement, Zuma said.
He said Zanu (PF) and the MDC formations should move with speed to meet the conditions set by international donors before economic aid is forthcoming. Meeting these benchmarks should be a priority in the work of the inclusive government, he said.
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