GZF UK Response to Zimbabwe Talks Deal

Following developments back home, it is paramount that the Diaspora community responds with one and unified voice.

I now invite you on behalf of the Global Zim Forum to a make an organisational contribution with a view of the GZF – UK making a press statement, with your blessing, on Monday, 15th Sept 2008, afternoon after the official release of the details.

We are organising a meeting tomorrow, Sat 13th at Zimbabwe Houise at 13:00hrs and it would be good if your organisation was represented.

If you cannot make it, you may wish to contribute in writing on the following areas:

1. A comment by your organisation on the deal and potential implications for your work and constituants.
2. How do you want to see the British government’s response being to the deal and the situation in Zimbabwe going forward.
3. What do you expect from the new GNU on the following:
Dual nationality debate for Zimabweans, restoration of the right to vote by people in the diaspora, diaspora remittences
4. The role of the Diasporans in the rebuilding of the country.
5. The asylum seekers’ issue: what advise should be given to the British government about failed asylum seekers.

Please note further that the UN Watch, in collaboration with Global Zimbabwe Forum Co-ordinator in Geneva Daniel Molokele, may be organising an event at the UN on the human rights situation in Zimbabwe on Friday 19th Sept.

There may be an opportunity for the Zimbabweans living in the UK to voice their views.

I hope the meeting tomorrow will at least produce a team that is mandated with speaking on behalf of the Diasporans in the UK.

It is important for us to maintain credibility and avoid giving the our hosts, especially the Foreign and Commonwealth Office mixed messages.

The push for democracy may also suffer if there are comments to the media that do not reflect the Zimbabwe we really want.

In the spirit of Democracy, Freedom and Respect for Human Rights.

Thamsanqa Zhou
GZF – UK Co-ordinator

07951401510

[email protected]