The meeting was chaired by His Excellency President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit was attended by the following Heads of State and Government and Government representatives:

DRC	H.E. President Joseph Kabila
Kingdom of Lesotho	Right Honourable Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili
Malawi	H.E. President Bingu wa Mutharika
Mozambique	H.E. President Armando Emilio Guebuza
Namibia	H.E. President Hifikepunye Pohamba
South Africa	H.E. President Thabo Mbeki
Kingdom of Swaziland	Right Honourable Prime Minister Themba Dlamini
United Republic of Tanzania	H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
Zambia	H.E. President Levy P. Mwanawasa
Zimbabwe	H.E. President Robert G. Mugabe
Botswana	H.E. Vice-President Honourable Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama
Angola	Honourable Joao Bernardo Miranda Minister of External Relations
Madagascar	H.E. Bruno Ranarivelo Ambassador to Mauritius
Mauritius	H.E. Mahomed Dossa High Commissioner to South Africa

ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN LESOTHO

The Extra-Ordinary Summit recalled that the Kingdom of Lesotho recently held successful, peaceful and democratic elections.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit noted and appreciated a briefing by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili and a report from the Executive Secretary arising out of the meeting of the Ministerial Double Troika on post electoral developments in the Kingdom of Lesotho.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit decided to send a SADC delegation at Ministerial level to go and assess the situation as requested by the political parties.

ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN THE DRC

The Extra-Ordinary Summit recalled that SADC took an active part in ensuring the holding of free, fair and democratic elections in the DRC and congratulated the Government and people of the DRC for the successful outcome.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit noted and appreciated the briefing by H.E. President Joseph Kabila on the current political situation in the DRC.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit resolved to render unconditional support to the Government of the DRC in its quest to restore law and order, maintaining peace and stability and spearheading national reconstruction.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit reaffirmed the sovereign right of the DRC to have a single national army and urged all armed groups to integrate into the national army or to be demobilised.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit reiterated that the rule of law in the DRC must be observed and respected by all parties in conformity with accepted international conventions.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit expressed concern on the loss of lives and urged all parties to respect the sanctity of human life and the principles of human rights.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit expressed its support to the ongoing efforts for the economic reconstruction of the DRC.

ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN ZIMBABWE

The Extra-ordinary Summit noted and appreciated the briefing by H.E. President Robert G. Mugabe on the current political developments in Zimbabwe.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit recalled that free, fair and democratic Presidential elections were held in 2002 in Zimbabwe.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit reaffirmed its solidarity with the Government and people of Zimbabwe.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit mandated H.E President Thabo Mbeki to continue to facilitate dialogue between the opposition and the Government and report back to the Troika on the progress. The Extra-Ordinary Summit also encouraged enhanced diplomatic contacts which will assist with the resolution of the situation in Zimbabwe.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit mandated the SADC Executive Secretary to undertake a study on the economic situation in Zimbabwe and propose measures on how SADC can assist Zimbabwe recover economically.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit reiterated the appeal to Britain to honour its compensation obligations with regard to land reform made at the Lancaster House.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit appealed for the lifting of all forms of sanctions against Zimbabwe.

(sardc.net)

Southern African News Features offers a reliable source of regional information and analysis on the Southern African Development Community, and is provided as a service to the SADC region.

This article may be reproduced with credit to the author and publisher.

SANF is produced by the Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC), which has monitored regional developments since 1985