HARARE – Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai called Monday for a speedy resolution of major disagreements stalling a power-sharing government with his long-time rival, President Robert Mugabe.
Tsvangirai acknowledged at a press conference there had been some progress in the past three months of mediation involving the government of South African President Jacob Zuma but said more must be done to break the impasse.
“Agreement on some issues has been achieved,” he said.
“But on the fundamental issues of provincial governors, attorney general, Roy Bennett, Reserve Bank, security sector reform and ministerial portfolios, the parties have failed to converge,” he said.
Bennett is a top aide to Tsvangirai and accusations already dismissed by the courts that he plotted to assassinate Mugabe have been a major source of conflict in the fragile power-sharing deal.
“It is important that finality be brought to these issues and in this regard, president Zuma’s office, the Southern African Development Community secretariat and the principals themselves are working to ensure that this is done as expeditiously as possible,” Tsvangirai said.
Since the setting up of the power-sharing agreement in February last year, Tsvangirai and Mugabe have failed to implement terms of the deal which include the appointments of senior government officials.
Tsvangirai added that his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party was ready for elections expected to be held sometime in 2013.
“That election is important to deal with the question of legitimacy once and for all in Zimbabwe. Trust me, we are ready for that election or any election,” he said.