Pressurise Mugabe, MDC Asks Regional Powers
Zimbabwe's main opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change has asked regional powers, to pressure President Robert Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF party to be more flexible in power-sharing talks. Negotiations between ZANU-PF and MDC ended at the weekend without a deal, although a spokesman for South African President Thabo Mbeki, who is mediating the talks, said the talks were still alive.
"We hope the SADC and President Thabo Mbeki are going to play the umpire
role and help to have flexibility on the part of ZANU-PF," said Nelson
Chamisa, spokesman for the Movement for Democratic Change.
The regional bloc Southern African Development Community (SADC) appointed
Mbeki as mediator in July. "ZANU-PF has to be persuaded to be rational and put the people first. The dialogue is not just about power. It has to go beyond that," said Chamisa
"They (ZANU-PF) are not committed to finding a solution to the problems
bedevilling the country. All they want is power," he added.
The talks, which began in July, have stalled amid differences over how to
share executive powers between Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan
Tsvangirai in a national unity government. The rival parties returned home from South Africa at the weekend after Mbeki's bid to kick-start the talks failed.
Mbeki had separate talks with negotiators from both camps on Friday. His spokesman said Monday that the talks would continue, but declined to say
when or how they would resume.
Last week loud jeers, mainly from the Opposition side greeted president Mugabe as he officiated the opening of parliament in Harare.