Tsvangirai seeks help from region

Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai will ask regional leaders to help resolve the deadlock in power-sharing talks with President Robert Mugabe's party, an opposition spokesman said yesterday.

A weekend summit of leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) failed to push Mr Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change and Mr Mugabe's Zanu-PF to agree a deal that could bring an end to Zimbabwe's crippling crisis. Mr Tsvangirai travelled to Botswana yesterday on a regional tour expected to last 10 days to ask Southern African leaders for help in removing obstacles that have emerged in the talks that began nearly one month ago.

"The Zimbabwean issue is far from resolved, and so the continent as a whole has a responsibility to continue to engage with us in finding solutions," Mr Tsvangirai's spokesman George Sibotshiwe said.

"Part of it is actually a process of trying to unlock the deadlocks that have emerged in the negotiations."

Zimbabwe's Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa said power-sharing talks would continue under the mediation of South African President Thabo Mbeki.

"We hope a deal can be finalised in the fullness of time," Mr Chinamasa said.

Zimbabwe's crisis intensified after President Mugabe's unopposed re-election in June in a ballot from which Mr Tsvangirai withdrew because of violence and which was condemned around the world. Regional leaders fear the potential impact of total meltdown.

Officials close to the negotiations have said there is disagreement on who would control the government - the sticking point which has hindered efforts to rescue the country's shattered economy.

MDC officials say Mr Mugabe wants to retain control of government, and chair the Cabinet, only allowing Mr Tsvangirai some ministries.

Key Western nations, whose support would be crucial for turning around Zimbabwe's ruined economy, have said they will only recognise a government led by Mr Tsvangirai.

Analysts said Mr Tsvangirai's only leverage is the aid package he can unlock.