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Aboriginal Medical Service Calls for Action on Zimbabwe
11 April 2008
Mr Sol Bellear, Chairperson of Australia’s first Aboriginal Medical Service, called for urgent international action to bring peace and democracy to Zimbabwe. Echoing the sentiments of Nobel Peace Laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Mr Bellear said that there had been a clear failure of behind the scenes efforts to convince Mugabe to relinquish power.
The Aboriginal Medical Service has strong links to the Zimbabwean Opposition Leader Morgan Tsvangirai and to Senate Leader, Sekai Holland. "As an organisation, have an internationally respected record in human rights and we feel it is our duty to speak out on this issue of deep international concern".
"There was a real danger of a human rights catastrophe in Zimbabwe" said Mr Bellear. "The world cannot sit by and watch. Morally, we cannot allow the Government of Zimbabwe to perpetrate violence and killings against its citizens".
Mr Bellear called for a concerted international intervention in the affairs of Zimbabwe. "It must happen immediately and should involve the African Union, European Union and the United Nations".
Like Archbishop Tutu, Mr Bellear believed that it would be essential to send a peace keeping force to Zimbabwe in order to ensure civil stability. He also agreed with the Archbishop's call for a Marshall like plan to re-build the fractured Zimbabwean economy.
"The impotence and paralysis must end. There must be swift and determined action. The world must not abandon the citizens of Zimbabwe."
Contact Sol Bellear
0411 481 829
+61 411 481 829
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