Italy is concerned over the recent flare-ups in central Mozambique and the continued stalemate in political dialogue between the government of Mozambique and the RENAMO. The statement came from Deputy Minister Lapo Pistelli, who some weeks ago made a trip to Maputo where, among others, he met with Presidentof the Republic Armando Guebuza.
In expressing its firm condemnation of the use of all forms of violence for political ends, Pistelli continued, the Italian government, launches an urgent appeal to President Guebuza and RENAMO leader Dhlakama to resume the dialogue already under way in a constructive spirit, in order to reach an agreement that will make it possible to strengthen and maintain peace and political stability in Mozambique, not least in advance of the October elections. According to the Deputy Minister with the remit for Africa, the precious heritage of the 1992 Rome peace accord is the shared patrimony of all Mozambicans and must be preserved. It is also indispensable to the continuance of the steady economic growth the country has enjoyed over recent years.
Pistelli concluded by saying that Italy intends to honour its pledge to contribute to the development of a constructive dialogue that leads to peace and trust among all the parties involved.
