Mugabe won't listen to Mbeki - readers
By Alan Cameron President Thabo Mbeki remains confident that mediation will help resolve Zimbabwe's political crisis, saying he feels the pain of the people of Zimbabwe and acknowledges that time to find a solution for the impasse is running out. Mbeki, named last week by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to promote dialogue between President Robert Mugabe and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), told the SABC broadcaster that Western calls for tougher moves on Zimbabwe were misplaced. "As a region we are quite convinced that the only way to solve the problem is the direction we have taken," Mbeki said. IOL asked readers: 'Is President Mbeki wasting his time trying to meditate in the Zimbabwe crisis?' Of the 754 people who voted, 74 percent (561) said Yes, while the remaining 26 percent (193) said No. Some comments from those that said No: Andrea: No he has to try, but whether any good will come of it, remains to be seen. History has shown that mad despots are not reasonable and open to change.
mothokwa: The situation in Zimbabwe is very complex in such , a way that it does not warrant shouting and screaming , but it needs a more sophisticated way to address [it].
Mars: Obviously we don't know what is said when Mbeki speaks to Mugabe. Mediation can definately work if strong words are spoken, boundaries drawn and consequences spelt out. A thing on many peoples minds is still whether Mbeki is up to being forceful and making his point in strong terms.
JohnDavid: Well somebody needs to take action against that sick thing in Zimbabwe.
Mumtaz: I think our president should mediate, at least he is doing something, its better than just looking on. Who knows? he might have a good influence on Mugabe in settling him down a bit.
Scelo: As a member of SADC, we have a responsibility and a role to play as SA... During our struggle when white government killed us, we found home in Zimbabwe so yes, it is important that we assist to help resolve problems in Zimbabwe.
Some comment from those that voted Yes:
Waster: Mbeki is totally wasting his time, our tax money and the Zim oppositions' time.
Matsobane Kekana: The Zimbawean problems requires Zimbabeans to resolve.
Rayner: As much as I sympathise with the people of Zimbabwe, I feel we have our own personal issues here which President Mbeki should be addressing.
Ian: Mbeki does not have what it takes to sort out Zim - so yes, he is wasting his time, and our tax money!
Ziad Botha: I think it is a litte late to be making comments like "I feel your pain". what nonsense. why is Mbeki only now making this comment, when he should have done something years ago.
Ali: The crises in Zimbabwe affects us all. Look at every robot in our country - infiltrated with Zimbabweans. The worse it gets there, the more Zimbabweans are crossing our borders, legally and illegally. Mediation is not enough.
Graham F: Mugabe will not change unless forced to do so. Talking will go in one ear and out the other.
For the last seven years the S.A. Government has been watching the Zimbabwe Government commit blatant Human Rights abuses without any form of public criticism. It?s not that President Mbeki would be wasting his time but rather he simply cannot act decisively on any issue that requires some form of confrontation or public criticism. Quiet Diplomacy is a good excuse for not having to act or perform.
Kwe Kwe: Mbeki must watch out for the baton wielding Zimbabwean secret service that did a number on Tshvangirai. I don't think his small frame will be able to handle a bashing of that nature.
Vikash Maharaj: Yes. One should understand this and understand it well; Zimbabwe needed intervention in the form of mediation years ago, when the cries of the Zimbabweans's were loud |
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