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By their nature, communiques are brief reports or outlines of deliberations undertaken and cannot be prepared before such deliberations.

Although the Zimbabwe re-engagement team comprising of Justice and Legal Affairs Minister Patrick Chinamasa; Energy and Power Development Minister Elton Mangoma, and Regional Integration and International Co-operation Minister Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga left for London yesterday, a full draft communiqué dated 26 March 2013 had already been prepared detailing Britain’s position and the perceived contributions from the re-engagement team.

The 10-point communiqué is titled “Friends of Zimbabwe, 2013 Draft Communiqué”.
The Zimbabwe ministerial team was invited by the British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mr Mark Simmonds.

“The Friends of Zimbabwe met in London on 26 March (Tuesday) 2013, re-confirming our governments’ continued strong commitment to the Zimbabwean people and support for a prosperous and democratic Zimbabwe.

“Underlining our desire for engagement based on partnership, we were pleased that representatives from the Zimbabwe Government of National Unity (GNU) parties (and re regional representatives) joined us,” reads the draft communiqué.
The Zimbabwe-Britain meeting is expected to involve representatives of the United States, Canada,  Australia as well as members of the European Union.
A British think-tank, Chatham House, and members of the House of Commons are expected to attend the meeting of countries that imposed the illegal sanctions on

Zimbabwe but are now calling themselves Friends of Zimbabwe.
The leaked communiqué underscored the Western bloc’s wish to observe the harmonised elections saying, “a wide range of international observers would contribute to building and help enhance the credibility of the poll and the strength of the government elected”.

Also see . . .

• Britain in major climbdown on Zimbabwe

The group welcomed Sadc’s leading role as a guarantor of the GPA and commended its effort in encouraging the Zimbabwean political parties to work together in implementing the reforms ahead of the harmonised elections.
The Friends of Zimbabwe argued that the holding of the referendum last week was part of Sadc’s efforts that needed support.

They said they looked forward to the implementation of the so-called remaining democratic reforms in the GPA and roadmap and thanked Jomic for supporting peace building initiatives countrywide.
“We welcomed calls by Zimbabwe’s political leaders for peace and non violence and the statements by the party leaders that Zimbabweans should be able to choose their own government in free and fair elections and to be able to vote without fear or intimidation. We look to all Zimbabweans, including the state institutions and the security sector, to heed these calls.”

The Friends of Zimbabwe commended Sadc for observing the referendum and their intentions to participate in the forthcoming general elections using the Sadc guidelines on the conduct of democratic polls.
They argued that a large number of the international observers would build confidence and help enhance the credibility of polls.

Reads the leaked communiqué in part; “In OUR DISCUSSIONS, we re-affirmed the commitment of our governments to work with any government emerging from free and fair elections, which are credible, peaceful and transparent. Where relevant, we confirmed our governments’ plans to review their targeted measures following such elections.”
The group calling itself Friends of Zimbabwe also unwittingly revealed the extent of foreign funding to various Zimbabwean groups saying they channelled money to the tune of US$2,6 billion under the guise of humanitarian needs of the country instead of through official channels of the Government over the past 10 years.

They commended the GPA for stabilising the economy, adding, “We stand ready to discuss this further with the IMF and the GNU (Government of National Unity) and welcomed progress by the GNU and the IMF towards a staff monitored programme.”
The group pledged to continue engaging the Government and the region constructively in order to support the Zimbabweans in achieving peace.

Britain and its allies in the EU and the United States imposed economic sanctions on Zimbabwe after the country embarked on a successful land reform programme.