Monday, February 16, 2009
From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I'm Amy Witherden.
Making headlines:
Former colonial power Britain says that it is ready to lift sanctions from Zimbabwe if the new unity government releases political prisoners and pushes through economic reforms.
Since the formation of the unity government last week, Western governments have taken a cautious approach, waiting to see if the new government will bring about real change in the country.
Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband says that the Zimbabwean government needs to be judged by its actions and its deeds. These are the conditions on which the international community will engage.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwean security agents arrested Roy Bennett, a leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change last week, ahead of a swearing-in ceremony for the new unity Cabinet in which he was due to take a post.
Bennett is expected to appear in court today, facing charges of planning terrorism and insurgency.

In South African news, in an unusual show of support, former President Nelson Mandela joined African National Congress leader Jacob Zuma at a party election event in the Eastern Cape at the weekend.
This was the first time Mandela has appeared at a campaign event held by a South African party, as he has steered clear of politics since his retirement.
Mandela's appearance will also lend support to Zuma, who is expected to become President after the election despite facing a corruption case. Mandela's appearance is said to constitute a blow to emerging rivals the Congress of the People, as it has no similar icon to win over voters.

In African news, Ethiopia supports new African Union chairperson Muammar Gaddafi's efforts to mediate between it and border rival Eritrea. Ethiopia's Prime Minister Meles Zenawi says that the country is open to peace talks.

Relations between the feuding Horn of Africa neighbours have been at an impasse since they fought a border war between 1998 and 2000.

Meles says that the country welcomes Gaddafi's peace efforts, but that he doubts whether the Libyan leader can succeed in unravelling the long-running border dispute, which is a source of tension across the region.

Also making headlines:
Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change is undecided on its response to proposed Deputy Agriculture Minister Roy Bennett's arrest.
African National Congress Treasurer General Mathews Phosa says that the party is to re-evaluate empowerment policies.
And, the Inkatha Freedom Party's election manifesto criticises the ANC.

That's a roundup of news making headlines today.