Zimbabwe police put opposition MPs on wanted list

Zimbabwean police have put 7 elected opposition MPs on a wanted list

Zimbabwean police have put seven elected opposition Members of Parliament on a wanted list. They are accused of crimes ranging from inciting public violence to attempted murder. This could negatively affect proposed talks between President Robert Mugabe and his political rivals.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Aziz Pahad said talks on a government of national unity were on track. Pahad has urged the suspension of what he called outside interference. This is a seemingly clear reference to the United States-sponsored draft resolution for further sanctions against Zimbabwe's leadership.

The Minister said although the current political climate was explosive, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and Zanu-PF were preparing to talk.

This statement contradicts an earlier statement by MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who had set a number of preconditions for any resumption of talks. Mugabe too has ruled out the prospect of talks unless his uncontested June election victory is recognised.