"Another reason why Mbeki should step down as mediator in Zimbabwe "

President Mbeki's weak defence of his stance on Zimbabwe in the National Assembly today further underscores the need for him to step down as the mediator between Zanu-PF and the MDC.

It is deeply ironic that within hours of Mbeki's defence of quiet diplomacy, Morgan Tsvangarai was detained by the Zimbabwean security police for the third time in a week.

The President says that South Africa will continue to insist that the people of Zimbabwe be allowed to freely choose their leaders and government, but he has done nothing to try to secure such conditions in the face of rampant intimidation of the MDC. As a result, the situation there has deteriorated to the point that a free and fair presidential run-off in two weeks time is impossible.

The time has come for President Mbeki to stop attacking governments and individuals who express concern at the developments in Zimbabwe and turn his attention towards the real villains. A public rebuke of President Mugabe may not be enough to save Zimbabwe , but it may be enough for South Africa to salvage some national pride.

Statement issued by Democratic Alliance leader, Helen Zille, June 12 2008