ZANU PF party said on Wednesday it remained committed to a coalition government with its former opposition MDC rivals, adding it was working to resolve outstanding issues blocking full implementation of a power-sharing agreement signed last year.

Reacting to an ultimatum issued earlier in the day by the main MDC formation led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai demanding resolution of outstanding issues by Monday, ZANU PF deputy spokesman Ephraim Masawi said it was “unfortunate” that the party had set a deadline when “negotiations were going on smoothly”.

Among outstanding issues that the MDC-Tsvangirai wants resolved are the appointment of provincial governors, permanent secretaries and diplomats, re-hiring of central bank governor Gideon Gono and re-appointment of Johannes Tomana as Attorney General by Mugabe in January.

Tsvangirai and leader of the smaller MDC formation Arthur Mutambara want the appointments of Gono, Tomana and provincial governors rescinded and the recruitment of new ambassadors and permanent secretaries – moves Mugabe and ZANU PF hardliners have adamantly opposed.

MDC-Tsvangirai secretary general Tendai Biti said told journalist in Harare that the party was also concerned at the refusal by commanders of the country’s military and security forces to salute Tsvangirai or recognise his authority as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe.

Another bone of contention between Mugabe on the one hand and Tsvangirai and Mutambara on the other is the refusal by the 85-year-old President to swear in MDC-Tsvangirai Senator Roy Bennett as deputy agriculture minister.

The MDC-Tsvangirai had also said the re-detention on Tuesday of leading human rights campaigner Jestina Mukoko and 17 political activists from the party was a threat to the life of the unity government.

However, the activists were released yesterday on bail after Mugabe, Tsvangirai and Mutambara met on Tuesday night and agreed that they should face trial on terrorism charges while out of custody.

“ZANU PF is still committed to the inclusive government and our president (Mugabe) is working tirelessly with other principals to resolve the outstanding issues,” Masawi said. “It is unfortunate that the MDC-Tsvangirai is now setting deadlines and issuing out ultimatums.”

Masawi said common ground on the outstanding issues would be reached soon. “I am informed that a lot of progress has been achieved and as a party we don’t know why the ultimatum you referred to was issued out,” he said. “Negotiations are not and should not be subjected to ultimatums and deadlines.”

Biti, who is Finnace Minister in the unity government, said the sticking issues should be resolved by Monday. He said if not resolved, the party’s national executive council would meet to determine the way forward, but was quick to say quitting the inclusive government was not an option.

The coalition government is seen as offering Zimbabwe the best opportunity in a decade to restore stability and end a devastating economic and humanitarian crisis.

But failure by the administration to win support from Western donor countries coupled with a determined push by ZANU PF hardliners to collapse the administration have intensified doubts about its durability.

Source:  Harare Tribune