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MDC must call off sanctions - Mugabe
HARARE
President Thabo Mbeki's mediation between MDC and Zanu (PF) is virtually dead in the water following farcical pre-conditions set this week by Mugabe. The aged dictator is insisting that MDC call off European Union and American "sanctions" and acknowledge him as a legitimate leader before talks can take place.
Zanu (PF) spokesman, Nathan Shamuyarira confirmed the demands.
"There can't be talks with people who are calling for sanctions that are affecting everyone in the country," he said. "We demand that they should start by calling off sanctions by their sponsors in the West and acknowledge the legitimacy of the president otherwise there can't be any talks. That is the position we maintain to President Mbeki."
The hard-line stance by Mugabe is set to preclude any prospects of meaningful dialogue between his party and the opposition, which has submitted to Mbeki the need for Mugabe to accept constitutional and electoral reforms ahead of next year's elections.
The opposition has also called on Mugabe to stop political repression, which the aged leader has repeatedly defended, alleging the opposition had an agenda to destabilize the country through terrorism. – Itai Dzamara
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