19 December 2001
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has noted with serious concerns reports of the seizure of control of the security forces on the Island of Moheli today, Wednesday 19 December.
The Minister unequivocally condemns this and any other attempt to seize power by unconstitutional means. These developments have only served to strengthen the resolve of the countries of the region and the OAU to continue with their efforts to help the people of the Comores to bring about democracy, peace and stability.
In this regard, Minister Dlamini Zuma together with her colleagues from Madagascar, Mauritius, Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique are determined to forge ahead with their plans to visit the Comores, from today, Wednesday 19-21 December to offer and underline their support and solidarity to the people of the Islands ahead of the constitutional referendum scheduled for 23 December 2001.
In this context, the Ministerial delegation will hold discussions with President Azali Assoumani; the Implementation Committee as well as the political parties from all the islands.
Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs