Statement
INTERNATIONAL PEACE ORGANIZATION CALLS FOR AN END TO THE VIOLENCE AND THE POLITICAL STANDOFF IN ZIMBABWE
June 26, 2008
PHILADELPHIA (June 26, 2008) - The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is dismayed by the overt irregularities and intimidation efforts in the Zimbabwean run-off election process.
AFSC condemns the violence which is causing suffering for the Zimbabwe people, who are facing an unprecedented economic crisis. Many people in the country are migrating to other countries seeking security, food assistance, and treatment for HIV/AIDS.
Over the past year, we have listened to the analysis from opposing perspectives within Zimbabwe, the region and the world. Because of its history of involvement in the region and Zimbabwe itself, AFSC understands the complexity and volatile nature of the political climate. However, violence is not the way to solve the political problems. Instead, political parties, political supporters, and the government must align with those who seek alternatives to violence.
Furthermore, the Service Committee urges the government of Zimbabwe to allow non-governmental organizations to resume providing food aid, health services, and other humanitarian activities.
If a resolution to the political standoff and violence cannot be developed quickly, the stability of the entire southern Africa region could be jeopardized. The Southern African Development Community must increase its diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful and credible resolution of the current political impasse. The parties involved in the conflict must develop clear and just outcomes through meaningful negotiations.
The Service Committee urges African heads of state to provide visionary leadership that respects the voice, hopes and aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe. AFSC also insists that the international community do all it can to support these efforts in a constructive manner that does not exacerbate the tensions.
The American Friends Service Committee is backed by a 90-year history of peace-building and humanitarian work, and has a long history of service and solidarity working in southern Africa. In 1947, AFSC was a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of Quakers worldwide for humanitarian relief before and after the two world wars.
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The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.
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