Statement by Mr.Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Situation in Zimbabwe(Presidential Run-off)

June 30, 2008

I think it really deplorable that despite the criticism and calls of the international community for postponement, the Presidential run-off election in Zimbabwe was forcibly conducted by the government on June 27 at a time when conditions appropriate for carrying out free and fair Presidential runoff voting were not met because of systematic acts of violence, obstruction and intimidation.
Japan urges the leaders of the Government of Zimbabwe to promote dialogue with the opposition parties, and strongly hopes that a government reflecting the national will in a legitimate manner shall be established as soon as possible.
Japan calls on the Government of Zimbabwe to proactively cooperate with the diplomatic efforts of the international community, including the Southern African Development Community, the African Union and the United Nations, for normalization and stability of the political situation in Zimbabwe.

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