No one benefits from Zimbabwean violence - SA

Dlamini-Zuma says none of the political parties in Zimbabwe will benefit if there is violence

South Africa's Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma says none of the political parties in Zimbabwe will benefit if there is violence ahead of the presidential run-off elections. She says in its role as mediator, South Africa had sent a delegation to that country to ensure that peace prevails in the lead up to the poll.

Speaking at the end of the fifth Ministerial Commission between India, Brazil and South Africa known as IBSA, Dlamini-Zuma also denied that the new ANC leadership was pursuing a contradictory policy towards Zimbabwe to that of the government.

In its official communiqué, IBSA expressed confidence in the ability of the people of Zimbabwe to resolve the current challenges. South Africa's mediation role was also endorsed. When probed on reported acts of violence in the country, Dlamini Zuma said it was important that conditions of peace prevail.

Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, SA's Foreign Affairs Minister said: "It will nobody any good, even in Zimbabwe. It's not to the benefit of any candidate to have violence during the elections."

The need for a balanced and development oriented outcome to negotiations in the World Trade Organisation DOHA Development Round was also emphasised. There was also a call for an end to agricultural subsidies in developed countries.

Celso Amorim, the Minister of External Affairs of Brazil said: "We are in the middle of a twin crisis provoked by the financial mismanagement and food shortages. Both originated in the practices of the rich nations. Now more than ever the rich countries have a moral obligation to eliminate their agricultural subsidies."

The three countries have also been engaged in joint naval exercises off the southern coast of South Africa. They insist, however, that this is not the beginning of any military alliance.