GABORONE - Canadians are deeply concerned about the deteriorating political and humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe.

They are also worried about its impact on neighboring countries like Botswana.

This was said by the Canadian High Commissioner to Botswana, Mrs Barbara Anderson at a cocktail party to welcome Canada's new honorary consul to Botswana, Mr Peter van Riet-Lowe in Gaborone yesterday evening.

Mr van Riet-lowe has been the chief executive officer and founder of Fleming Assets Management in Botswana as well as being the director of numerous companies and board member of certain non-governmental organizations and charities.

The high commissioner noted that the Canadians fully understand and support the need for Africa-led solutions to the crisis, but noted that she was disappointed by the failure of the March 17 visit by the South African President, Mr Jacob Zuma to break the deadlock impacting on Zimbabwe's power sharing agreement.

We remain concerned that the lack of movement gives the current regime a tacit endorsement of the status quo.

It is a sad day for the long suffering ordinary Zimbabweans, many of whom have faced starvation. Mrs Anderson said the issue of democracy and human rights risk being further marginalized as long as genuine reform mandated by Zimbabwe's global political agreement is thwarted by the entrenched, vested interest.

She stated that without a credible, viable political settlement, the future of Zimbabweans as a whole is bleak. However, the high commissioner commended Botswana for the strong and principled stand it maintained through the crisis and its willingness to speak out for the region and its people. As the regions leading critic of the current regime, Botswana's suggestion of new elections under strict international supervision may well be the only way forward.

Canada wishes to encourage reforms to improve the welfare of Zimbabweans by acting upon key principles relating to access to humanitarian assistance, governance and the rule of law, respect of human rights and sound economic management.

On other issues, Mrs Anderson said Canada and Botswana have enjoyed excellent bilateral relations since Botswana's independence.

She added that there are many similarities between the two countries including the same peaceful manner in which both countries gained their independence. Mrs Anderson noted that both countries are dependent on natural resources to finance growth and development even though there are still some challenges ahead as the two seek to diversify their resource-based economies.

She also stated that in future, the environment, HIV/AIDS prevention and mitigation, youth and women empowerment will continue to be priorities in the projects funded by Canada. BOPA