Statement on PM meeting with Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai
Warm and friendly meeting, where prospects for holding elections in Zimbabwe at right time were discussed.
Following a meeting between the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai, a Downing Street spokesman said:
The Prime Minister met the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai, in the House of Commons this evening. They had a warm and friendly meeting, where they discussed the prospects for holding elections in Zimbabwe at the right time.
Both agreed that the international community should insist on constitutional reforms before the elections so that they are free and fair and that whilst the UK was fully supportive, it was critical for South Africa and other Southern African Development Community countries to take the lead. The Prime Minister re-stated how passionate he was about wanting Zimbabwe to succeed and commended the MDC on progress made on the economy. Morgan Tsvangirai thanked the Prime Minister for British aid, which he said was being channelled directly to those who needed it most, and both men agreed to keep in touch.