MDC PRESS
22 July 2003
MDC To Attend Opening of Parliament
We, the MDC parliamentarians, mindful of the tensions in our country, created by political intolerance and the failure of Zanu PF to acknowledge plurality and tolerate diversity, and aware of the need to move our country out of the political quagmire, resolve to take up the MDC National Executive's challenge to do everything in our power to contribute to the reduction of political tensions in the country so as to create a political environment conducive to serious dialogue.
Zimbabweans are suffering. Thousands are destitute. Millions live in abject poverty. Inflation stands at 364.5%. About 80% of Zimbabweans are out of work. There is no fuel in the country. Thousands are victims of political violence and live in a climate of acute insecurity. Life in the country has become unbearable. It is important that the country returns speedily to a state of normalacy.
We believe that the MDC holds the key to facilitating a search for the resolution of the crisis. This is a heavy responsibility. We believe we owe it to the nation, and all the people who elected us, to take bold steps in creating a political environment conducive to successful dialogue.
We take this profound decision in the face of increased attacks on our members, as exemplified by the numerous attacks on our candidates in Karoi, Chegutu and Marondera who were in the process of filing their nomination papers.
In spite of these barbaric acts of provocation we will avail ourselves at the opening of parliament by Mr Mugabe today. This action is a deliberate move on our part, it is meant to lower the threshold on tensions in Zimbabwe, and to encourage Zanu PF to turn its back on violence and work for peace and a resolution of the crisis in Zimbabwe in order to take the country forward.
We as MPs are aware of the election challenge to the outcome of the 2002 presidential election and fully support that challenge. Our attendance to the opening of the parliament does not in any way change our position that Mugabe's position is disputed. Our action is calculated to reduce political tensions in the country so that an atmosphere conducive to dialogue can be created with a view to amicable negotiations for a dignified exit for Mr Robert Mugabe from the political scene.
The decision not to walk out of parliament during the opening session has not been an easy one. It has been difficult. However, we believe that the interests of this country demand that we make bold decisions to save this country from certain ruin. We now expect Zanu PF to reciprocate this decision by taking steps to:
- Immediately stop violence against the people of Zimbabwe
- Direct the police to enforce the law impartially.
- Release of all political prisoners and cessation of political persecutions
- Restore law and order
- Stop the political persecution of civil society and respect the human rights of all Zimbabweans
- Stop the hate and vilification campaign against the MDC and its leadership.
Paul Themba Nyathi
Secretary for Information and Publicity
SEARCH Foundation, Rm 610, 3 Smail St, BROADWAY NSW 2007. Ph: +61 2 9211 4164; Fax: +61 2 9211 1407. Web: www.search.org.au
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