Concerning the Situation in Zimbabwe

PRESS RELEASE

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and leaders of the two factions of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara signed a Memorandum of Understanding on July 21, laying the basis for further talks to work out a comprehensive political agreement and to form a government of national unity.

Russia welcomes this decision, which opens the way for overcoming the domestic political crisis in the country. We also note the high sense of responsibility shown by the participants of the inter-Zimbabwean dialogue, who have managed to rise above their differences in the interests of all Zimbabweans. We call on leading forces of the country to continue demonstrating a constructive approach in the name of national unity and harmony.

The accord became possible thanks largely to the active mediation role of South African President Thabo Mbeki, acting under the mandate from the Southern African Development Community and the African Union. We look forward to his continued efforts to find possible compromises.

We express the hope that the leaders of all political forces in Zimbabwe will fully meet obligations assumed in order to implement the provisions of the signed Memorandum so as within the shortest space of time to reach a mutually acceptable formula for an internal political settlement in the country. We also expect that all external parties, including the non-African partners of Harare, will so act as to ease further successful advance of the inter-Zimbabwean dialogue.

July 22, 2008