The ABUJA DEAL drafted in Nigeria, September 17 2001.

Zimbabwe agreed to stop farm occupations and return the rule of law in return for assistance. The deal recognize historical injustices, the current land ownership and distribution needed to be rectified in a transparent and equitable manner. It also agreed on the following:

<--Land is at the core of the crisis in Zimbabwe and cannot be separated from other issues of concern such as rule of law, respect for human rights, democracy and the economy. A programme of land reform is therefore, crucial to the resolution of the problem.

<--Such a programme of land reform must be implemented in a fair, just and sustainable manner in the interest of all the people of Zimbabwe, within law and constitution of Zimbabwe.

<--The crisis in Zimbabwe also has political and rule of law implications which must be addressed holistically and con-currently. The situation in Zimbabwe poses a threat to the socio-economic stability of the entire sub-region and the continent at large.

<--The orderly implementation of the land reform can only be meaningful and sustainable if carried out with due regard to human rights, rule of law, transparency and democratic principles and democratic principles. The commitment of the government of Zimbabwe is therefore crucial to this process.

The deal welcomes the assurances given by Zimbabwean delegation as follows:

<--There will not be further occupation of farmlands. -Speed up the process by which farms those do not meet set criteria are de-listed.

<--For farms that are not designated, occupiers would be moved to legally acquired lands. -Acceleration of discussions with the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) with a view to reaching agreement as quickly as possible.

<--Commitment to freedom of expression as guaranteed by the constitution of Zimbabwe and to take firm action against violence and intimidation.

The meeting agreed, in the overall context of the statement, that the way forward is for Zimbabwe's international partners:

<--to engage constructively with the UNDP and the government of Zimbabwe in pursuing an effective and sustainable land reform programme on the basis of the UNDP proposals of December 2000.

<--to respond positively to any request from the government of Zimbabwe in support of the electoral process.

<--to continue to contribute to poverty reduction programmes for the benefit of the people of Zimbabwe and that those partners present (Austria, Canada and the United Kingdom)would actively pursue these objectives.

The deal also welcomes the re-affirmation of the United Kingdom's commitment to a significant financial contribution to such a land reform programme and its undertaking to encourage other international donors to do the same.