Mugabe Tells Opposition to Drop Claim to Power

Embattled Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has told the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) to drop its claim to power, saying negations will only be possible if the party acknowledges him as the country’s legitimate leader. Mugabe spoke while being received by thousands of cheering supporters upon arrival from an African Union summit in Egypt. Meanwhile, Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has rejected any prospect of talks with Mugabe, saying the ruling ZANU-PF party must recognize him as the real winner of the recent presidential elections because he won first round ballot in March, while Mugabe only won the runoff because he was the sole candidate. [PE]