Mills calls for solution to Great Lakes crises

Accra (Greater Accra) 29 April ?99

Vice-President John Atta Mills on Wednesday called for collective efforts to solve the political crises in the Great Lakes region, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to make way for the development of the people.

"It is our expectation that together we can work towards restoring durable peace and normalcy to those countries in order to create the requisite atmosphere for sustainable development and progress of our peoples."

Vice-President Mills made these points when the Zimbabwean High Commissioner-designate Ngoni Sengwe, presented his letters of accreditation to him at the State House in Accra.

Prof. Mills said Ghana recognises Zimbabwe's contribution to the search for regional peace and security in that region.

On the situation in Zimbabwe, he said Ghana has followed with keen interest the pragmatic measures taken by that government to ensure sustained economic development and prosperity for the people.

Particularly laudable is the setting up of the National Economic Forum to help tackle issues affecting its development with a view to coming out with effective economic policies, he said.

He also commended Harare's "bold" implementation of the Land Reform Programme in a bid to eradicate poverty and achieve social justice through land redistribution.

On bilateral relations, Prof. Mills recalled the bond of friendship between Ghana and Zimbabwe, saying the two peoples have been drawn together through their common fight against colonialism and imperialism as well as their commitment to peace, stability and progress on the continent.

He urged Mr Sengwe to use his tenure to renew these historical ties and reaffirm that commitment to charting new paths of co-operation for the mutual benefit of their peoples.

Mr Sengwe said his government set up the National Economic Consultative Forum comprising various stakeholders such as government, labour, private and civil society for a just course.

"The Forum would not tolerate the removal of legitimate governments by force," he stressed.

It is in this spirit that Zimbabwe, along with Angola, Namibia and Chad, under the auspices of Southern Africa Development Community, sent troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They were to assist President Laurent Kabila to "repel a foreign-backed rebellion which had threatened the sovereignty and territorial integrity of that country."

"Those who seek to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of others are in violation of international law and principles that govern peaceful relations among states."

Mr Sengwe expressed the hope that recent discussions among states fighting in DRC will result in a cease-fire that will be a step towards finding lasting peace in that country.

He thanked Ghana for its continued support in terms of manpower for Zimbabwean institutions, including telecommunications, health, education and the judiciary.

Ghanaian assistance has also been extended to the defence sector through annual training programmes for airforce and army personnel.

He commended Ghana for its role in the search for global and regional peace, citing peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Mr Sengwe said he would seek ways to increase trade between the two countries which, he said, is not commensurate with the excellent political relations.

Total Zimbabwean exports to Ghana last year was about 22.4 million dollars while Ghanaian exports to that country fetched about 20.6 million dollars.