Ford comments on Tsvangirai pulling out of election

7.02.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 22nd Jun 2008

Ahead of the Assembly debate on Zimbabwe tomorrow, Alliance leader David Ford is submitting an amendment to his motion that is designed to bring the debate up to date by condemning the violence and calling on the United Nations and African Union to intervene.

David Ford said: "We are hoping to amend our motion tomorrow to recognise the new reality of what is happening in Zimbabwe. Morgan Tsvangirai had no option other than to pull out of the forthcoming presidential election as violence against the opposition had spun out of control. I also want to take this opportunity to condemn the sickening intimidation of and violence against opposition supporters.

"Morgan Tsvangirai is the only person who can lead Zimbabwe out of this current crisis.

"The African Union the United Nations must work to ensure that Mugabe's reign of terror can be brought to an end peacefully."

ENDS