ZIMBABWE'S RULING Zanu-PF party has urged president Robert Mugabe to form a new government immediately and ignore the opposition's rejection of a compromise deal tabled by regional leaders in Johannesburg last Sunday.
Following lengthy negotiations, southern African leaders ruled that the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and Zanu-PF should share a key ministry which both parties had wanted to control.
They also ruled that a new unity government should be formed "forthwith" to end the political crisis that has crippled the country since last June's disputed presidential run-off election.
However, MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai rejected the recommendation as unfair, and indicated that his party would not become involved in a new powersharing government until outstanding issues were dealt with.
Information minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu said Zanu-PF's politburo decided that their party leader should invite the MDC to reconsider its stance, and put forward party members to be considered for ministerial positions.
"The Zanu-PF politburo unanimously resolved that president Mugabe should, with immediate effect, proceed to form the inclusive government of Zimbabwe in full compliance with resolutions of the . . . summit," he said.
The co-managing of home affairs, which controls the police, was recommended by Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders after Zimbabwe's rival parties could not come to an agreement since the powersharing deal was signed on September 15th.
The MDC insists that if Mr Mugabe retains the ministry of defence it should get home affairs to ensure balance between the parties in relation to security forces.
Mr Tsvangirai is meeting senior members of his party today to discuss what action the party should take following the SADC ruling.
Defying the directive could have grave consequences for the MDC, say analysts, as it could be taken as a snub by the people Mr Tsvangirai needs support from if he is to oust Mr Mugabe from power.
Mr Ndlovu said that in forming the new government Mr Mugabe would not take into account the MDC's complaints, but he was still open to their participation.
"President Mugabe is going to implement the SADC resolution. The president is going to invite the MDC to submit names of its would-be ministers. It's premature to say they've refused," he said.