Zimbabwe: Tsvangirai says government facing problems with hardliners

May 15th, 2009

 

 

Harare (Zimbabwe) - Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said on Wednesday that hardliners from the old regime are endangering the lives of all Zimbabweans.

In a blistering speech at the launch of the government's 100 Day Plan in Harare, Tsvangirai said hardliners' violations of the rule of law and of the agreement that created the inclusive government, were holding up foreign aid. He said: 'Sadly, there appears to be reluctance by residual elements from the old government to obstruct and frustrate the successful implementation of the global political agreement.'

He added; 'This residual resistance represents an unwillingness to accept the fact that the new political dispensation is not only irreversible, but also offers the country the only way forward.'

However he said progress had been made over some of the outstanding issues, such as appointments of ambassadors, the central bank governor, attorney-general and other senior government officials.

An announcement from the principals is expected to be made on Friday, providing details of this 'progress.' Tsvangirai, Mugabe and Mutambara had met on Tuesday where it's reported that all outstanding issues surrounding the Global Political Agreement had been discussed. It's also reported that they took 'a position' on all the issues.

A highly placed source told us the principals will make their announcement through a statement to be issued in the capital. Despite some reports suggesting there seems to be a stalemate, our source said this was not the case.

'It's far from it. In any negotiation you are bound to agree or disagree. The common position from the talks is that they have taken a position which they will announce soon. If they had reached a deadlock I don't think they would wait for days to announce it,' our source said.

Political analyst Glen Mpani said since Tsvangirai has admitted that the new government is being thwarted by hardliners from ZANU PF he should move ahead and start identifying the culprits.

'The question everyone should be asking now is what leverage and power does Tsvangirai have to ensure that this has to come to a stop,' Mpani said.

'Otherwise if there is no clear answer it simply goes to show us that the hardliners have immense power in controlling activities of the government,' he added.

Mpani insisted that unless government makes a commitment to implement political reforms they would find it difficult to end the country's international isolation.

'The inclusive government should urgently review the media laws to create a plural media sector and work on the constitutional reform process to help kick-start the re-engagement of the international community.'

 

source.SW Radio Africa (Zimbabwe)