Tsvangirai considers compensation

“We cannot bring back our loved ones who died neither can we restore broken limbs but what we can do is pay compensation. Some form of compensation has to be considered,” Tsvangirai said.

Tsvangirai pledged confidence in Zimbabwes unity government, formed with President Robert Mugabe in February after months of ruinous deadlock, but warned that this may change if there was not full commitment from his partners.

“I am very confident Zimbabwe is changing. We have not option but to make sure this process succeeds,” Tsvangirai said in a public address to update Zimbabweans on the unity government progress.

“Let there be no doubt that if there is no full commitment by all parties, we may reach a stage where we may revise our position.

Religious leaders on Saturday were leading a prayer service in Harare, which Tsvangirai has said will mark the start of efforts to find justice for victims of the violence that left at least 180 dead, mostly MDC supporters.

Reparations must be openly discussed, he said at Fridays launch of the prayer weekend.

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader on Saturday spoke out against partisan targeting of his partys members.

“Our MPs are being arrested. You cannot have a selective application of the law. If the MDC is accused of violence what about those from ZANU(PF) who were beating up people,” he said.

The issue of the date of the appointment of provincial governors, an earlier sticking point, had now been settled, but a stalemate over reserve bank governor and attorney-general posts was awaiting regional mediation, he said.

“What we agreed on should be implemented. “We have made progress but there are issues we should deal with to have the necessary confidence.”

Zimbabwes political rivals formed the power-sharing government nearly a year after contentious presidential polls in order to rescue the country from political crisis and economic ruin.

Sunday Times (SA)