Tsvangirai to meet regional leaders, Mugabe next week (Roundup)

Jan 15, 2009, 12:14 GMT

Johannesburg - Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai on Thursday said he would forge ahead with forming a unity government even though he did not regard President Robert Mugabe as a 'credible partner.'

Tsvangirai told journalists in South Africa on Thursday that he planned to return home on Saturday for a meeting with regional leaders and Mugabe on the implementation of a unity government.

The meeting in Harare was scheduled for next week, but no exact has been set, the South African Press Association (SAPA) reported.

'Now is the time for Mr Mugabe to show whether or not he is committed to this agreement by meeting with me and resolving these issues,' Tsvangirai said.

Negotiations for power-sharing under a deal signed in mid- September have stalled, with Tsvangirai and Mugabe unable to agree on the distribution of ministries.

Tsvangirai has also lashed out at Mugabe over the ongoing detention and alleged torture of opposition activists and supporters.

Tsvangirai said his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party 'has made many painful compromises during this negotiation process.'

'I don't have a credible partner in him (Mugabe), but he's crucial to the finality of this in getting this global agreement consummated,' Tsvangirai was quoted as saying Thursday.

'I still believe that a political agreement offers the best means of preventing Zimbabwe from becoming a failed state. I am committed to forming a new inclusive government in Zimbabwe and all I lack is a willing partner,' he added.

Zimbabwe is facing its worst economic and humanitarian crisis, for which the 84-year-old Mugabe has largely been blamed.

Initial international support for his role in a future government of unity has eroded as Mugabe, Zimbabwe's president for 28 years, appears as determined as ever to shut out the opposition.

Earlier this week, Mugabe returned home from a brief holiday abroad. He has come under fire for taking his month-long annual leave amid the deadlock over power sharing.