24 April 2009

Harare — PRIME Minister Tsvangirai yesterday dismissed reports of a stalemate in Government saying the parties to the inclusive Government were determined to resolve outstanding issues in the Global Political Agreement.

Speaking to journalists in Harare after addressing a commemoration to mark the 90th anniversary of the International Labour Organisation, PM Tsvangirai also said the issue of MDC-T activists facing charges in court was being handled through the courts.

"They (outstanding issues) will be addressed and we are in the process of addressing them. We cannot go on forever and ever . . . We have to address these issues.

"We have no specific dates, but we cannot go on (with) outstanding issues always hanging over our heads," PM Tsvangirai said.

President Mugabe, PM Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara met on Monday to discuss the outstanding issues under the Global Political Agreement.

The meeting was also attended by Vice Presidents Joseph Msika and Joice Mujuru and Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe.

Members of the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa and Industry and Commerce Minister Welshman Ncube briefed the principals at the meeting.

JOMIC was set up to monitor the implementation of the power-sharing agreement.

In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office described the meeting as fruitful and insightful, dismissing reports that former South African president Cde Thabo Mbeki -- who brokered the power-sharing agreement under Sadc -- had been invited to mediate.

"The principals only resort to mediation in the event of a stalemate and in this case no stalemate was declared."

It was also agreed that all the outstanding issues could only be dispensed with through a process of negotiation.

The meeting was adjourned to today.

On MDC officials facing charges of banditry and sabotage, PM Tsvangirai said the accused persons were in the process of applying for bail.

"We are pursuing that in terms of the agreed procedures."

PM Tsvangirai said Government was aware of its responsibilities, which it was also committed to carrying out, including ensuring the upholding of the rule of law.

"Without investor confidence, we cannot attract investment or access lines of credit necessary to kick-start our economy.

"Therefore, this Government in general, and my office in particular, are dedicated to ensuring that the laws of this land are applied consistently, impartially and fairly."

He said Government, through Parliament, would pursue a legislative agenda that entrenches the rights of all citizens and stakeholders so that people can live in prosperity, free from fear, hunger or persecution.

PM Tsvangirai said the signing of the Decent Work Country Programme between labour, business and Government was a necessary step as it was in line with Zimbabwe's roadmap towards economic recovery.

"In line with the pursuance of the Decent Work agenda in Zimbabwe, I am confident that this Government's Short-Term Emergency Recovery Programme will provide a solid foundation and realistic framework through which to pursue this agenda."

He also called on both labour and business to join hands with Government in transforming STERP into reality.