Ruling Zimbabwe party accused of deception

HARARE, Zimbabwe, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- The Zimbabwean opposition Movement for Democratic Change accuses the Zanu-PF Party headed by President Robert Mugabe of trying to sabotage power sharing.

Nelson Chamisa, a spokesman for the MDC, said in a statement that Zanu-PF leaders had said the new government would not be implemented until Mugabe returns from an African Union summit in Ethiopia, CNN reported. But he said that the MDC is convinced Mugabe and his allies do not intend to move forward.

Under the agreement, Mugabe would remain as president while Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the MDC, would become prime minister. Tsvangirai agreed last week to join the government on Feb. 13 if Zanu-PF negotiates on the remaining issues.

Chamisa said there have been no talks.

"There is no wish to alleviate the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe through a negotiated political process," Chamisa said. "In short, there is no wish to tackle the outstanding issues as directed by the SADC Heads of State. Zanu PF is panicking. It has been caught flat-footed. Zanu PF never budgeted that the MDC would agree to be part of the inclusive government and now they are in sixes and sevens while trying desperately to scuttle the deal."