Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, on Monday held the last leg of his international tour when he met Britain’s Prime Minister, Gordon Brown in London.
Speaking after talks with Hon. Tsvangirai, Mr. Brown hailed the progress made by the inclusive government but urged Zimbabwe to implement more democratic reforms that will benefit all the people of Zimbabwe.
The meeting between the two was the first between British and Zimbabwean premiers for over two decades and Mr. Brown vowed that more help would be channeled to Zimbabwe “if the reform programme on the ground gains momentum.”
During Hon.Tsvangirai’s meeting with Brown, Britain pledged an extra US$8.2 million in aid.
“We are prepared to respond when the Zimbabwean government takes action, which is in conformity with the long-term ambition,” Mr. Brown said at a joint press conference with Hon. Tsvangirai at No. 10 Downing Street.
“We want to see Zimbabwe prosper, we want to see the emergence of a free society and genuine democratic politics.”
Hon. Tsvangirai was on his final stop after a tour of Europe and the United States to drum up support for the inclusive government and bring back Zimbabwe to the family of nations.
“There are great signs of progress; a budget and economic plans are in place; schools are reopening; children are once again filling the classrooms,” said Mr. Brown.
“As a result of the progress, we will increase our support to help Zimbabwe move from mere survival towards a genuine recovery.
“We are prepared to go further, in offering more transitional support, if the reform programme on the ground gains momentum. I want to see the government taking further rapid steps forward.”
During the press conference, Hon. Tsvangirai said Zimbabwe’s reform programme was “irreversible.”
“Although this is not a perfect arrangement, we realise that it is a workable arrangement,” he said.
“I want to assure you we are in an irreversible process towards consolidating the democratic values.
“I know that the world is anxious to see signs of progress, especially the fulfillment of the global political agreement.”
“However, it is unfortunate that those living in Britain, because they don’t see Robert Mugabe disappearing, therefore conclude that nothing has changed.
“I want to assure you that that is not the case,” he added.
