Tsvangirai camp deny report of planned meeting with Makoni

By Tichaona Sibanda
22 February 2008

MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai will not be meeting with independent presidential candidate Simba Makoni on Sunday, as stated in some press reports.

George Sibochiwe, who has taken over from William Bango as Tsvangirai’ spokesman, told Newsreel that the President of the MDC is guided by ‘his belief in political pluralism and believes that anybody who wants to work for democracy in Zimbabwe is welcome.’

Sibochiwe said; ‘However at no time has the MDC leader or any of his officials made contact with anyone from the Makoni side to arrange a meeting between the two presidential candidates.’

Asked to clarify reports suggesting a meeting has been set for Sunday, Tsvangirai’s new spokesman said their leader enjoys the support of the majority of Zimbabweans and that certain quarters might consider him a threat. Bango, Tsvangirai’ spokesman for years, is now the party’s parliamentary candidate for Chikomba in Mashonaland East.

‘Right now he is focused on winning this election and wrestling power from Robert Mugabe. Our enemy is Mugabe and his Zanu-PF,’ said Sibochiwe.

It is believed Tsvangirai only heard of the alleged meeting when he arrived in Mutare Friday, ahead of the launch of his party’s manifesto and campaign programmes at Sakubva stadium on Saturday. Aides travelling with him told us he knew nothing of the meeting and wanted the record set straight.

Sibochiwe said; ‘His schedule from Saturday is so packed he’ll find little time for other things. He has a 36-day schedule that will see him visit all the country’s 10 provinces. Right now he’s focusing on the big day tomorrow (Saturday)’.