Stoltenberg meets with Tsvangirai

Norway’s Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg today held talks with Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, in Johannesburg. Stoltenberg said authorities in Zimbabwe should immediately publish the results of the country’s presidential elections. ”It is vital to respect basic democratic principles and to quickly find a solution to the critical situation in the country”, Stoltenberg says.

The results of Zimbabwe’s presidential elections in late March have not yet been published. Prime Minister Stoltenberg will discuss the situation in Zimbabwe also with Southern African heads of state and government at the SADC (Souther African Development Community) International Conference on Poverty and Development, in Mauritius this weekend.

Morgan Tsvangirai and Jens Stoltenberg. Photo: Office of the Prime Minister.

Norway and the other Nordic countries have special ties to Zimbabwe due to their support for the country’s struggle for liberation. Norway is presently contributing to the strengthening of democracy, human rights and civil society in Zimbabwe.

Prime Minister Stoltenberg met with Morgan Tsvangirai right after talks with former South African President Nelson Mandela.