Addressing the media in Pretoria today, alongside visiting German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, President Mbeki reiterated that the two parties had been engaged in informal talks but the holidays over the festive season had disrupted the process.
"I was in Zimbabwe in December to talk to the ruling party and the opposition and they have agreed that they will now go into formal negotiations...they know the agenda and have agreed that they do not need mediation," he explained.
President Mbeki responded to critics of South Africa's policy on its northern neighbour and said the task was to see what contribution could be made to ensure rapid change in the political and economic situation in Zimbabwe.
"Strong statements cannot be an aim on themselves, the aim is to change the situation," he said.
The President said South Africa had pronounced itself on numerous occasions on the situation in Zimbabwe.
"Twice in Zimbabwe, in public, in the presence of President Robert Mugabe, I have said these things you are doing are wrong," he said.
Chancellor Schroeder said Germany would play an "inactive" role in the post turmoil Zimbabwe.
"But we...will discuss with the private sector to open up business," he responded, adding that the country would also lift political sanctions against Zimbabwe. –BuaNews.
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