SECRETARY-GENERAL CONGRATULATES SOUTHERN AFRICAN LEADERS FOR INITIATIVE

TO CONVENE 13 APRIL SUMMIT ON ZIMBABWE SITUATION

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General congratulates the leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for their timely initiative to convene a summit of Heads of State in Lusaka, Zambia, on 13 April to discuss the situation in Zimbabwe.  He is pleased that regional leaders are mobilizing and coordinating to help Zimbabwe overcome its post-electoral crisis through peaceful means.  The Secretary-General is concerned that the situation in Zimbabwe could deteriorate if there is no prompt action to resolve this impasse.

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For information media • not an official record