David Ford MLA

Working for Antrim and Newtownabbey since 1998

 David Ford

Zimbabwe opposition leader Tsvangirai and Senegalese President Wade to meet Alliance Leader

8.54.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 15th May 2008

Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai and Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade are both set to address the 55th Congress of the Liberal International on Friday morning in Belfast, Northern Ireland. For Mr. Tsvangirai, who has been abroad since the contested 29 March Zimbabwean presidential election and this crucial visit to the Liberal International Congress will be his last stop before returning to Zimbabwe. The leader of the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland, David Ford, and LI President, John, Lord Alderdice will welcome Mr. Tsvangirai and President Wade to the Congress which draws together members of the international liberal family from over 60 countries.

David Ford MLA, leader of the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland, expressed his enthusiasm for the arrival of Mr. Tsvangirai saying: "It is a tremendous privilege to welcome Morgan Tsvangirai to our Congress and to Northern Ireland. This is an immensely important visit and is indicative of these changing times in our society. Morgan Tsvangirai is a beacon of hope for the whole world. We offer him our full support and hope that he is allowed to take up his rightful position as President of Zimbabwe as soon as possible."

According to Lord Alderdice, speaking from the Europa Hotel in Belfast:

"We are honoured that Mr. Tsvangirai and President Wade have chosen to attend our Congress in Belfast. It is a city often seen as an example that conflict can be overcome when people choose peace and democracy over violence and tyranny. It is an honour for the worldwide liberal family to be in the presence of these distinguished individuals who are dedicated to pursuing basic human rights in Africa. Just as before, during this tumultuous time after the elections in Zimbabwe, Mr. Tsvangirai has the full support of the Liberal International."

There will be a press conference featuring Morgan Tsvangirai and President Wade from 11:00 to 11:30 on Friday 16 May in the Exhibition Centre at the Europa Hotel.

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Previous news story: Ford welcomes Minister's assurances on bluetongue (Mon 12th May 2008).
Next news story: Ford welcomes Tsvangirai to Liberal International Congress in Belfast (Fri 16th May 2008).

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