15 October 2008
Nairobi — Former South African President Thabo Mbeki was on Wednesday winding up consultations to break the impasse over the allocation of cabinet posts to Zimbabwe's three main political parties under the power sharing agreement with reports that a deal was imminent.
The first meeting on Tuesday between President Robert Mugabe and his opposition rivals, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai and Professor Arthur Mutambara did not yield any positive result.
But emerging from the talks at a downturn Harare hotel late into the night, the principals said they were hopeful a compromise would be reached soon over the disputed ministries.
Negotiations were due to resume around midday amid increasing pressure for the parties to speed the formation of a new government to tackle a worsening humanitarian crisis and economic decline.
Insiders said Mr Mbeki had tabled a number of options to go around the contested portfolios that include those of Finance and Home Affairs.
The options, they said included giving the Ministry of Finance to the small faction of the MDC led by Prof Mutambara.
They said the parties could also agree to rotate the key ministries of Local Government, Home Affairs, Defence and Finance or increase the number of deputies.
State media also reported on Wednesday that the Ministry of Finance was the only portfolio under dispute, a claim that was rubbished by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).
"The leaders are showing a lot of commitment to conclude this matter this time around," said a senior official from the Mr Tsvangirai led MDC. "If it was not for a few sticking points a compromise would have been reached on the first day but I am confident an agreement will be reached today."
According to the power sharing agreement signed on 15 September, the ruling Zanu PF should have 15 ministries and the main MDC must get 13 while three go to Prof Mutambara's group.
Mr Mugabe will remain President while Mr Tsvangirai assumes the new post of prime minister deputised by Prof Mutambara and Ms Thokozani Khuphe.
Last week, the deal viewed as Zimbabwe's only solution to the devastating economic crisis looked in danger of crumbling, after Mr Mugabe allocated all the key ministries to his Zanu PF.
On Monday he swore in two of his Vice Presidents, Mr Joseph Msika and Mrs Joice Mujuru from Zanu PF. Government officials say a new cabinet would be sworn in before the end of the week.
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Dear Mr Mabhiza,
As Mr Tvangirai is now part of the Zimbabwe govenment, dont you think it is high time you stopped insulting him. (HOORAY!)You and your lot have arrested anyone who would express even the slightest didain towards the head of state, Mr Mugabe. Do you have the interests of Zimbabwe at heart? You rant on about how our institutions have been destroyed, but yet you refuse to show respect to THE HEAD OF GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE - MORGAN RICHARD TVANGIRAI. You sound a little sour grapes and lot like someone who realises to himself that… [Read Full Text]
Dear Mr Mabhiza,
As Mr Tvangirai is now part of the Zimbabwe govenment, dont you think it is high time you stopped insulting him. (HOORAY!)You and your lot have arrested anyone who would express even the slightest didain towards the head of state, Mr Mugabe. Do you have the interests of Zimbabwe at heart? You rant on about how our institutions have been destroyed, but yet you refuse to show respect to THE HEAD OF GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE - MORGAN RICHARD TVANGIRAI. You sound a little sour grapes and lot like someone who realises to himself that… [Read Full Text]
Hie Sean, Point of correction, TSVANGIRAI (Mr Boycott) is not part of the government of Zimbabwe until His Excellency the President, R.G. MUGABE signs the yet-to-be tabled amendment no 19.
Secondly, Tsvangirai is not and will be head of government when he becomes prime minister. He will be chairman of a ministerial committee that will deal with implement government policies, FULL STOP. I do not know where you are geting all this nonsense about Tsvangirai head of govt? You are not the first one to say this all your other lot are saying the same thing.
How can a loser,… [Read Full Text]
Please, tell us what evidence you have that says that Tsvangarai called for sanctions against the people of Zimbabwe? Please enlighten us.... personally, I think you're making this up, (like you do for 99% of the rest of your posts), but thats just me. Care to prove me otherwise?
Author: awt_independent Please, tell us what evidence you have that says that Tsvangarai called for sanctions against the people of Zimbabwe? Please enlighten us.... personally, I think you're making this up, (like you do for 99% of the rest of your posts), but thats just me. Care to prove me otherwise?
Awt_independent, I have given you the evidence but you don't seem to be a serious debater. Surely, surely are you telling me that you do not know that Tsvangirai said, with his own mouth, that South Africa should cut electricity to Zimbabwe, cut transport and trade links with… [Read Full Text]
Comical, You have not given us evidence... where? Please post it again.. I want to see it...
Tell me, how much do you get paid to post here? No one in their sane mind would distort the facts the illogical way you do, unless there was some form of financial incentive.... what do you get paid?
Mabhiza please stop showing your peronal hatred of MDC and your support for a regime that has ruined the economy through thugerism. A regime that has aienated its citizens. You think all those people that have fled the country are made. You are an i.d.i.o.t. You have no brain and no heart like your fellows thugs who have fatened themselves at the expense of the majority who fought for this country like me. Stop pliz!! you fool. b.a.s.t.a.r.d. Iri nguva ye hondo ndaikuisa nyere mumusoro
a point of correction mabhiza, in case you thick war vets are not educated: ...a regime that has alienated.... ...you think all those people the country are mad.....
Let's all hope that the 3 parties ,without any further delay reach an acceptable compromise for the best interests of people who are reeling under MDC-T courted illegal economic sanctions..let's all have a unity of purpose & work for alleviation of poverty..It's now the tsvangi's duty to call off the ruinous sanctions he invited upon his own people..As a Western sponsored, stooge without any education , i wonder exactly how he'll perfom complex gvt tasks..As they say that a leopard never changes its spots, it would be mere wishful thinking to even hope that Tsvangi and his motley gang of… [Read Full Text]