Mutambara sees resolution of MDC dispute

Mutambara sees resolution of MDC dispute

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By Staff Reporter

ARTHUR Mutambara, the leader of Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has told New Zimbabwe.com that he expects the dispute over the party name with a rival faction to be resolved "very soon".

Speaking moments after addressing an estimated crowd of 300 Zimbabweans in Wood Green on Tuesday night, the MDC leader said: "Very soon we will resolve the issue. When we get to election time (2008), we want to have a clear brand and that means we have to resolve this issue sooner rather than later."

The MDC split into two factions following irreconcilable differences among the party's senior leadership. Both groups insist they are the legitimate owners of the party.

The party's first president, Morgan Tsvangirai, now leads a rival faction.

Mutambara said his faction was still open to negotiations for an "amicable divorce" with Tsvangirai's group, but believes chances of such a settlement have diminished after Tsvangirai spurned mediation efforts by Bulawayo South MP and lawyer, David Coltart.

Mutambara, however, appeared to make fresh overtures towards Tsvangirai's group when he called for a "coalition of democratic forces" to unseat President Robert Mugabe at the next elections.

He said: "We are for unity. We have always been speaking for unity, but our strategy goes beyond unity. We are going to succeed in unseating Mugabe, with or without this coalition.

"But we are, of course, cognizant of the fact that it would be easier to remove Mugabe if we formed a coalition of democratic forces. We are open to pacts and coalitions but such arrangements must be based on principles and values. We are building a political party with clear values and a clear vision and mission."

In London, Mutambara -- a militant former student leader who later worked as a rocket scientist for NASA -- faced tough questions from a small group of individuals thought to be loyal to Tsvangirai.

He said: "The London meeting was slightly animated but I enjoy debate. I am happy that we managed to deal with their questions. It is important for people to realise that the problem of turning Zimbabwe around cannot be left to (Vice President) Joice Mujuru or Tsvangirai alone. There are many more other players who have a role to play and they have a right to exist and be heard."

Mutambara visited several European countries including Belgium, the UK and Norway in the past week.

In London, he was expected to meet Foreign Office wonks early Wednesday before returning to Zimbabwe. He is accompanied by secretary general Welshman Ncube and Priscilla Misihairabwi.

He said of his EU trip: "We have been meeting our friends and strategic partners to compare notes and explain the new direction of the party, our vision and strategy."
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