Zimbabwe Talks Risk Collapse over Power Tussle

Reports indicate that talks towards the formation of a unity government in Zimbabwe could collapse because of a tussle for control of executive power, pitting the ruling Zanu-PF party against the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). The MDC alleges President Robert Mugabe is unwilling to cede significant authority to its leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, while Zanu-PF has accused Tsvangirai of "shifting goal posts” and insisting on being given full authority because he beat Mugabe in the March first round presidential ballot. The talks resume today, after a marathon 14-hour meeting failed to yield an agreement on Monday. [PE]