Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Situation in Zimbabwe

April 28, 2000

In the Republic of Zimbabwe, the seizure and occupation of farms by war veterans are continuing and violent incidents including the murder of some farmers and farm workers have occurred. Japan is concerned about the said situation and hopes that it will be peacefully solved by the Government of Zimbabwe through appropriate actions in accordance with the law.
It is a welcome development that efforts have started to be made to solve the issue and Japan wishes to monitor such efforts.
The parliament was recently dissolved in Zimbabwe and a parliamentary election is scheduled to be held by August 11 in accordance with the Constitution. Japan hopes that the whole process concerning the election will be implemented in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

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