SA congratulates Zimbabweans

South African President Thabo Mbeki has congratulated his Zimbabwean counterpart Robert Mugabe and opposition parties for the successful holding of parliamentary elections at the weekend. A statement by the Department of Foreign Affairs said: “South Africa commends the electoral authorities, international observers and monitors as well as the people of Zimbabwe for ensuring the elections proceeded without hindrance. Yet we express our regret at the loss of lives and the violence that engulfed the country before the holding of elections.” “President Thabo Mbeki on behalf of the people and government of South Africa expresses his congratulations to President Robert Mugabe and ZANU-PF on their election victory; and to the opposition parties for helping to demonstrate democracy in action,” the statement said. “The President is confident that the ruling party and all other parties, will now utilize the mandate received from the people of Zimbabwe to find lasting solutions to the pressing socio-economic needs of their people. South Africa stands ready to assist the people of Zimbabwe, where ever possible, to deal with the challenges they face within the context of integrated regional economic development, growth and prosperity,” the statement added.