Sharples Pita: Motions — Zimbabwe—Presidential Election 
Sharples Pita: Motions — Zimbabwe—Presidential Election 
[Volume:648;Page:16804] 
Dr PITA SHARPLES (Co-Leader—Maori Party) 
: 
 In October 2007 we in the Maori Party met with leading Zimbabwe political figure Sekai Holland. The meeting had a profound effect on us all. We heard in graphic detail about the extreme violence that had characterised the attacks of 11 March. We learnt about the fatal shooting of Mr Gift Tandare youth chair of the National Constitutional Assembly in Harare. We heard of the numbers of members from the Movement for Democratic Change who were assaulted and taken into custody including Sekai Holland herself. So we come to this discussion today knowing too of the fresh violence in Zimbabwe in which again it is reported that Morgan Tsvangirai and the supporters of the Movement for Democratic Change are being targeted. But we have learnt too of the willingness of Morgan Tsvangirai to be open to negotiation with Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party on the condition that the violence cease. 
So we rise to speak to the motion reminding ourselves of the emphasis on manaakitanga—manaakitanga in which the interests of other nations are considered and manaakitanga as demonstrated when we respect other nations and their peoples for their ability and capacity to find solutions that come forth from their own unique culture and indigenous approaches. We know that the African nations have indicated that mediation and talks are important in the pursuit of reconciliation and liberation. They are committed to a better Zimbabwe and they know that liberation will involve all leaders of the Southern African Development Community working together. We recall an honourable initiative taken previously by the Southern African Development Community in bringing together Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and other member nations to talk to listen and to negotiate. 
We have learnt of the emphasis being given by both the African Union and the Southern African Development Community to discuss what they can do together to cease the political violence and we remember the calls that have come from the Movement for Democratic Change and many of the peoples of Zimbabwe for the United Nations to give urgent priority for reconstruction and humanitarian assistance and we endorse the call for President Mugabe to step down. 
The issues confronting Zimbabwe are indeed substantial as are the issues in the conflict for the Tibetan people in China the conflicts that are occurring in Myanmar Turkey Iran and so we could go on. In condemning the violence in Zimbabwe we must have confidence that the people can determine their own solutions but we should also speak in order for these people to have a voice. 
History tells us that unless the peoples of the land are involved in determining their solutions to conflict peace will always be fragile and temporary. We absolutely agree that the international world must have a strong opinion in condemning any abuse of human rights and democratic freedom but long-term reconciliation is best settled by those people themselves. We support the motion as a vote of confidence in the people who struggle in defence of their human rights and democratic freedoms every day and we condemn any regime based on violence. We know that the hope of the people in Zimbabwe and their sister nations is for long-term peace and legitimate leadership that embodies what we value as tino rangatiratanga. Thank you.