HARARE -- South African President Jacob Zuma said he has appealed for the readmission of Zimbabwe back into the grouping of former British colonies during the Commonwealth summit held in Trinidad and Tobago. In a statement Zumas spokesman Vincent Magwenya said the South African leader told the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that ended last Sunday readmitting would show the international communitys support of efforts by the Zimbabwes coalition government to deliver change.
“Zimbabwe’s re-admission into the Commonwealth, will serve as a recognition to the progress that has been achieved thus far. Equally, along with the lifting of sanctions, it will represent the international community’s support and encouragement to parties to continue the dialogue that will deliver a lasting solution to the challenges facing the country,” Magwenya quoted Zuma as having told the summit.
President Robert Mugabe withdrew Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth after the orgnisation condemned his controversial rule and had voted to maintain Harares suspension from the club.
The announcement by Zuma follows an almost similar plea for Harare to be re-admitted by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Thursday last week. However Brown called for progress on reforms in security, justice and media, all culminating in free and fair elections before Zimbabwe could be rejoin the Commonwealth.
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