Mbeki clarifies SADC approach on Zimbabwe

Mbeki's made it clear he does believe there is a political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe

President Thabo Mbeki has rejected suggestions that Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders are unable to resolve Zimbabwe's crisis because of their liberation loyalty to President Robert Mugabe. Mbeki says the regional body has intervened in Zimbabwe to correct the situation rather than protect Mugabe.

Speaking to international journalists in New York, Mbeki's made it clear he does believe there is a political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe. Mbeki's declined to comment on a proposal by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's proposal that international observers be sent to Zimbabwe if a second round of presidential elections is held.

Mbeki says he will approach Zimbabwe's Electoral Commission (ZEC) to ensure all that country's parties there can verify the results of its presidential election. The results have not yet been announced, 19 days after voting. Meanwhile, Mbeki has distanced himself from the statement that there is no crisis in Zimbabwe, he explained that the 'no crisis' statement only referred to the polls crisis. He says this statement did not address the socio-economic challenges in Zimbabwe.