SECRETARY-GENERAL POSTPONES UNDP ADMINISTRATOR"S TRIP TO ZIMBABWE FOLLOWING NOTICE THAT GOVERNMENT WILL COMPULSORILY ACQUIRE FARMS

Press Release
SG/SM/7429
DEV/2248

SECRETARY-GENERAL POSTPONES UNDP ADMINISTRATOR’S TRIP TO ZIMBABWE FOLLOWING NOTICE THAT GOVERNMENT WILL COMPULSORILY ACQUIRE FARMS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

Earlier today, the Government of Zimbabwe publicly gave notice of its intention to compulsorily acquire 804 farms from the large-scale commercial farming sector. The Secretary-General regrets this development, because it undermines the ability of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to build international support, including resources, for a legally based solution, including compensation based on the principles of the 1998 land reform conference. In the light of this announcement, whose consequences we will need carefully to review, the Secretary-General has decided to postpone the visit to Zimbabwe of the UNDP Administrator, Mark Malloch Brown, which was to have taken place this weekend.

The Secretary-General remains convinced, however, the issue of land acquisition, redistribution and resettlement will not be resolved without good faith efforts by all parties to achieve a mutually agreed way forward. Achieving a just and equitable solution is critical for the economic prosperity and stability of Zimbabwe and the region. The Secretary-General, through UNDP, will continue his efforts for a solution.

The Secretary-General wishes to thank governments, and the southern African leaders, particularly Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, who have supported the United Nations in these efforts.

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