http://www.theindependent.co.zw
Thursday, 26 November 2009 19:40
LIBYAN leader Muammar Gaddafi has commended Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai
for not resorting to war and agreeing to a power-sharing agreement with
President Robert Mugabe. Tsvangirai met Gaddafi this week in Tripoli.
According to the premier’s spokesperson, James Maridadi, Gaddafi pointed out
that as chairperson of the African Union he was interested in what was
happening in Zimbabwe because stability in the region was at his heart.
“He (Gaddafi) said as the AU chair, stability in the region is close to his
heart. He gave the prime minister a pat on the back, saying that despite him
being on opposing sides, he managed to put that aside and put the best
interests of Zimbabweans first to form the inclusive government,” he said.
“President Gaddafi said well done to the prime minister for the inclusive
government, which he said was commendable instead of resorting to an armed
struggle. He told the prime minister that arms do not solve conflicts. He
said he was happy that the prime minister chose the ballot and not the
bullet.”
Gaddafi said Zimbabwe should never be allowed to slide back to levels before
the formation of the inclusive government, when there was hyperinflation,
unbearable living conditions, starvation and gross economic instability.
Maridadi said the premier was impressed by Libya’s housing project and the
level of infrastructural development.
Tsvangirai was taken on a tour of construction sites by Libya Prime Minister
Baghdadi Ali al-Mahmudi, who heads the country’s developmental issues.
“The level of development was amazing. There is so much construction going
on and they want to catch up with Europe. They are into partnership with big
international development partners from the United States and other
countries.
“What the Libyan prime minister said of major interest to Zimbabwe was that
countries should go into international cooperation with anyone in the world
that adds value to the lives of its people,” said Maridadi, who pointed out
it was something which Tsvangirai’s office said Zimbabwe should consider
seriously instead of being opposed to anything Western.
Tsvangirai, who was in Tripoli for a two-day visit at the invitation of the
Libyan leader to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, held a
one-on-one with Gaddafi for about 40 minutes.
The premier was welcomed with full military honours and met at the airport
by his Libyan counterpart, foreign affairs minister Mussa Kussa and generals
from the Libyan army, air force, navy, police and other security services.
Faith Zaba
