The elections have come and gone. Our challenge today and in the years ahead is to move forward in unity, regardless of our diverse political affiliations, united by the sense of a common vision and destiny for a prosperous Zimbabwe.

Indeed, it is my hope that sooner rather than later, we shall, as diverse political parties, hold consultations towards such serious dialogue as will minimise our differences and enhance the area of unity and co-operation...

We are grateful to SADC, and the role of statesmanship played by President Thabo Mbeki, the SADC-appointed mediator of the inter-party dialogue between Zanu-PF and the two MDC formations. Zimbabwe is indebted to his untiring efforts to promote harmony and peace.

Indeed, this last election saw certain constitutional amendments he facilitated in the inter-party dialogue getting their first application.

I also wish to acknowledge the support we received from many African states, members of the Non-Aligned Movement, allies and friends in the United Nations Security Council and other progressive movements and thank them for their unwavering solidarity with us as we continue to face the vicious onslaught by Britain and its allies.

Today, we are able to say all constitutional requirements with regard to the elections have been fulfilled. Thus, we are delighted to celebrate this day, delighted also that we stuck to the letter of our Constitution and electoral laws.

On behalf of my party, Zanu-PF, and all progressive Zimbabweans; on behalf of my family and, indeed, on my own behalf, I am honoured and humbled by the faith and confidence our people have, once more, reposed in me.

I am, indeed, grateful to the people of our great country for their brave and unyielding stand in defence of their sovereignty, their resources and destiny...

Finally, I wish to assure our people that, as Government, we shall remain very much people-oriented and, thus, proceed to fully empower them across the board, and sector by sector, as it takes effective measures to improve the economy and living standards.

We shall remain cognisant of the bidding that comes from our conscience, that Zimbabwe shall never be a colony. Long live Zimbabwe.

These are extracts from the speech delivered by Robert Mugabe after he was sworn in as head of state of Zimbabwe June 29 2008. Source: The Herald (Harare) June 30 2008