Zimbabwe Ruling Party Accuses Tsvangirai of Disrespecting President Mbeki

Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF has accused the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai of disrespecting the Southern African Development Community (SADC) appointed mediator, President Thabo Mbeki.

Tsvangirai on Saturday failed to attend a meeting scheduled by Mbeki between President Robert Mugabe and opposition leaders. Mbeki says Tsvangirai pulled out of the meeting at the last minute saying he had been advised by African Union (AU) leaders to hold off until Mbeki’s mediation effort is reinforced.

Meanwhile, a milestone moment occurred in Zimbabwean politics when Mugabe was seen shaking hands with MDC faction leader Arthur Mutambara. However, South African political commentators have said that the picture would resonate even more, if the hand Mugabe shook was that of his arch-rival Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of the bigger MDC faction.

The ruling party wasted no time in attacking Tsvangirai over his snub of the dialogue mediator. While some analysts say Tsvangirai let a golden opportunity slip to give the dialogue the momentum it needs, others believe his snub of Mbeki makes a powerful statement to the international community.

Source African Press Agency

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