Dominant Zimbabwe Opposition Formation Rejects Proposed Government
ZANU-PF moderates urge Mr. Mugabe to consider other options before forming a government unilaterally, arguing that this would accelerat
A top official of the Movement for Democratic Changeformation led by party founder and prime minister-designate Morgan Tsvangirai said the grouping will not participate in the unity government which Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe says he is about to formalong lines proposed by a recent summit of the Southern African Development Community. Secretary General Tendai Biti said the party will adhere to the position Tsvangirailaid out on Sunday at the conclusion of the SADC summit in Johannesburg - that sharing control of the key Home Affairs Ministry with Mr. Mugabe's ZANU-PF is unacceptable. The ministry controls the Zimbabwe Republic Police, deeply implicated in the wave of political violence which followed presidential, general and local elections in March in which the MDC scored wide gains and in which Tsvangirai received a plurality of presidential votes. ZANU-PF's politburo on Wednesdayurged Mr. Mugabe to quickly name a new cabinet. But party insiders reported deep divisions in ZANU-PF. Moderates are urging Mr. Mugabe to consider other options before forming such a government. They argue that an economic collapse is imminent if Mr Mugabe adopts what they call "Lone Ranger tactics." Such a move would likely bring stepped up Western financial and travel sanctions against Mr. Mugabe, his inner circle, key members of the military and security establishment, the central bank governor and leading figures in Zimbabwean state media organizations. Such ZANU-PF moderates said he should first invite both formations of the MDC - the other is led by Arthur Mutambara - to submit names for the cabinet positions allocated to them,and if they refuse, to advise SADC before unilaterally forming a new government. .