Outcome of President Mbeki''s meeting with SADC, AU and UN representatives

President Thabo Mbeki today held a meeting with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Jean Ping, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Defence Politics and Security, Mr. George Chikoti as well as the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General Mr. Haile Menkerios.

The meeting was convened by President Mbeki in order to brief the parties on developments in the SADC-mandated facilitation process in Zimbabwe.

All parties agreed with the framework proposed by President Mbeki to facilitate a solution to the challenges in Zimbabwe. In line with the 11th Ordinary Session of the AU Summit resolution on Zimbabwe, the parties further endorsed President Mbeki as the mediator in Zimbabwe and pledged to support his efforts.

The facilitator proposed the formation of a Reference Group consisting of the SADC, AU and the UN with which President Mbeki will liaise on an ongoing basis. The parties agreed to set up the Reference Group.

Statement issued by The Presidency July 18 2008