THE latest batch of US diplomatic cables show that Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai held talks with officials of the Clinton administration on ways of removing President Robert Mugabe from office.

A secret cable from November 2000 reveals then U.S. Assistant Secretary Susan Rice and then opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai discussed a number of possible ways to push out Mugabe, who has led the country since its independence from Britain three decades ago.

Tsvangirai has come under increasing pressure in the wake of revelations about his dealings with US officials, with members of Zanu PF demanding he resigns from office and face charges of treason.

Zanu PF officials have particularly targeted claims that Tsvangirai privately urged the US to maintain sanctions against the country while privately appearing to back calls for their removal.

“Wikileaks cables are nothing but a major revelation of treasonable acts, which should not be taken lightly by a sovereign state and its people,” said Zanu PF politburo member Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu.

However Tsvangirai’s MDC-T party has dismissed the allegations insisting the prime minister would not be distracted by from his job by “wikilies”.

“There are pressing issues in the country as we prepare for elections. We can’t allow ourselves to chase shadows and shoot at straws.

Tsvangirai wants Zimbabwe to be free and democratic and nothing can distract him from that goal,” party spokesperson, Nelson Chamisa said.