Blair and Mbeki Media Conference

Outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair and South African President Thabo Mbeki have met in Tswane and held discussions over political issues and the development of Africa as the G8 goes into another of its annual meetings next week (June 6-8) in Heiligendamm, Germany. Zimbabwe, of course was a major topic of interest.
In the media conference, Blair has maintained his position on Zimbabwe but has been tied into the Southern African Development Community and African Union position that Africans are taking charge of their challenges.
On Zimbabwe, Blair has given President Mbeki his confidence in pursuing a SADC initiative to help Zimbabwe. He said "We have also gone through other regional issues - Zimbabwe, Sudan and had good discussions on these issues".
President Mbeki confirmed that his task was underway. "This process has started and we are indeed engaged in this process".
It was unfortunate that the media did not solicit Blair's views on the communiqué issued in March 2007 by the SADC Heads of State emergency meeting in Dar-es-Salaam that called for the British to support the land reforms in Zimbabwe.

Excerpt from media conference

Question Prime Minister Blair, with regard to Zimbabwe: South Africa has been consistently criticized for its quiet diplomacy. The British government has openly expressed its views through "loud diplomacy." I would like to know what you feel Britain's policy has achieved and what you would have done differently in your dealings with President Mugabe?

Answer The honest answer to this is, my views on what has happened in Zimbabwe, and those of my country's are quite well known.
However, the only thing that matters is what happens to the people of Zimbabwe. The solution ultimately since no one is proposing any other is the solution that comes from within this region of Africa. This is why we have to put our efforts behind supporting the processes President Mbeki has laid out and do everything we can to ensure that the views of the people of Zimbabwe are heard and that they have a better future. I am attacked by both sides on this issue - for not finding a solution and for intervening.
The most important thing is to help the people - we are doing so through humanitarian aid and other ways. We will continue to do so.
The solution must come from Zimbabwe itself and we will support those like President Mbeki who are attempting to facilitate this.
To read more about the media conference click here

Information courtesy of South Africa's Department of Foreign Affairs