Ruling ZANU-PF Denies Using Military Arms Against Zimbabweans

Text of report by South African Radio 702 on 18 April

Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF [Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front] party has told Eyewitness News it has no intention of using any military arms against its people.

A ship transporting an arms consignment from China through South Africa is currently anchored off Durban harbour. It is on the way to Harare.

The South African government says there is no legal reason for it to stop the transportation of the ship.

At the same time, the Foreign Affairs Department says government has not received any official communication from Zimbabwe’s Movement for Democratic Change [MDC], asking for President Thabo Mbeki to be removed as mediator.

MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday revealed that Mbeki should be relieved of his duties.

This follows weeks of stalled negotiations following Zimbabwe’s elections three weeks ago. The results of the presidential poll have still not been released.

Tsvangirai has now asked the President Levy Mwanawasa take over as mediator.

Originally published by Radio 702, Johannesburg, in English 0000 18 Apr 08.

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