Robert Mugabe blows off chance for dialogue with MDC


By Tichaona Sibanda
11 August 2005

A political commentator has accused Robert Mugabe of lacking human decency, shown by his refusal to talk to the opposition party in order to solve the country's political crisis.

Bekithemba Mhlanga, a UK based political commentator, said Mugabe is blowing to pieces efforts of salvaging the country from further ruin.

African Union chairman Olusegun Obasanjo has formally requested former Mozambican President Joachim Chissano to mediate dialogue between Zanu (PF) and the MDC.

But Mugabe has ruled out any talks between his party and the MDC, blowing away any chances of a political settlement.

Mhlanga blamed Mugabe for political grandstanding with his ill-advised rhetoric about talking to Tony Blair instead of Morgan Tsvangirai, the MDC leader.

He said Mugabe' statement during Monday's heroes day holiday, ruling out talks with the MDC, was unfortunate. In a political move laden with all the characteristics of a suicide bomber, Mugabe is plunging the country deeper into a political and economic crisis.