<h3 class="post-title subpt">The Elders call on Zimbabwe's political leaders to enter into a dialogue,&nbsp;create a democratic and effective government and start a process of reconciliation and healing.</h3><div class="quoteblock"><div class="quotetext"></div></div><p>As The Elders meet in Johannesburg, in the wake of a Zimbabwean election that African observers deemed to be neither free nor fair, the people of Zimbabwe are living in an atmosphere of continued political violence, their economy is in a freefall, and uncertainty is a central feature of their daily lives.</p>
<p>This crisis of governance must not be allowed to continue, for human lives and livelihoods are at stake. We all have an interest in and all share a responsibility for its resolution.</p>
<p>The Elders therefore call for a speedy and robust mediation to resolve the political crisis, create a democratic and effective government and start a process of reconciliation and healing.</p>
<p>That mediation effort should have but one master: the Zimbabwean people. And they in turn should know that they have the support of the international community. They do not stand alone.</p>
<p>Progress requires certain conditions to which all parties must agree and upon which responsible parties must act;</p>
<div class="indent"><ol>
<li>The political violence must stop.</li>
<li>Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangarai must be able to enter into a dialogue on an equal footing, as two leaders.</li>
<li>Political prisoners must be released.</li>
<li>The duly elected Parliament must be convened.</li>
<li>Humanitarian agencies must be allowed to resume their work of assisting the people.</li>
<li>And the current interim Zimbabwean government must meet its responsibility to protect its citizens.</li>
</ol></div>
<p>The Zimbabwean people deserve security, true democracy and a process of reconciliation upon which lasting peace can be built. Set aside the political ambitions of a few, and work to achieve the aspirations of the Zimbabwean people.</p>
<p>Let Zimbabwe return to its greatness and its rightful place in the international community.</p>