Zimbabwe/South Africa

Zuma meets Mugabe and Tsvangirai

Article published on the 2009-08-28 Latest update 2009-08-28 13:15 TU

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe (R) and his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma wait before inspecting a guard of honour at Harare international Airport, August 27 2009.
(Photo: Reuters)

South African President Jacob Zuma has been meeting political leaders in Zimbabwe in a bid to help solidify the fragmented Unity government.

Zuma held talks for almost two hours in Harare this morning with rival leaders President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. None of them commented afterwards.

Zuma, however, hit an optimistic note when he addressed a state dinner on his arrival in the Zimbabwe capital on Thursday evening.

"The remaining issues are not insurmountable and can be overcome. The most difficult part has been travelled," he said.

The 85-year-old Mugabe, who has been in power since Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980, down played his differences with Tsvangirai.

"I am happy to inform you that the inclusive government is alive and well," he said at the dinner.

"Indeed, a political accommodation of this nature is bound to experience teething problems.”

Mugabe blamed the crisis in Zimbabwe on sanctions - including a travel ban and a freeze on bank accounts in the European Union and United States – imposed by western nations.

"Those countries who have hitherto imposed sanctions on us still maintain these illegal punitive measures in spite of progress we have made as an inclusive government," said Mugabe.

"We have made progress since the formation of the inclusive government. Inflation has been tamed and schools and hospitals are functioning. Our greatest factor is sanctions."