MDC-T ‘happy’ with outcome of SADC meeting

The SADC Troika meeting on Zimbabwe - held in Windhoek, Namibia on Sunday - has been described by MDC Secretary-General Tendai Biti as a ‘milestone.’ In broad terms, parties to the GPA accepted that an exit strategy should be based on the completion of the Constitution-making exercise, having a referendum and finally holding an election. Parties to the GPA, assisted by the Troika, will discuss the outstanding matters within one month as part of a confidence-building measure,’ Biti said. Further details can be read in President Zuma’s report to the Troika meeting.

In the week which saw the first auction of Zimbabwean diamonds, as well as a visit of the KP review mission team to Zimbabwe, Farai Maguwu was chosen by civil society to coordinate the technical team of the Local Focal Point for the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.

The US-based Rapaport Group, one of the world's largest gem trading networks, banned the sale of diamonds from Zimbabwe's Marange mines, saying the watchdog Kimberley Process could not guarantee they were not 'blood diamonds'.

Finally, The United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe Charles Ray on Wednesday said sanctions on Zimbabwe will remain until conditions that led to their imposition are removed.