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Updated Monday, February 1, 2010 10:57 am TWN, By Tim Witcher, AFP

Mugabe factor hits hopes of ending sanctions

DAVOS, Switzerland -- Zimbabwe Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, is pressing the world to end sanctions on his country as it climbs out of a political and economic abyss but wherever he goes the shadow of Robert Mugabe follows.

The two will soon have been in an uneasy “inclusive government” for a year. The relationship remains difficult, Tsvangirai said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos where he tried to convince global leaders to take a new look at the African nation.

“How do you deal with a president who was determined to see your destruction? How do you deal with the level of acrimony that existed between us?” said the Prime Minister.

Tsvangirai and the veteran president, who is the subject of a western travel ban and asset freeze, now meet every Monday and then go to the regular cabinet meeting.

“I have taken a decision that we can work together, despite this acrimony, for the good of the country. There is a working relationship. Personally I don't know what his intentions are but I think what is important is for us to ensure that we finish this transition.”

“I cannot predict that a coup will happen or derailment of the project, but I am satisfied that so far all the indications are that this process is irreversible.”

Tsvangirai pulled out of a runoff presidential election last year, citing deadly violence against his followers. Further trouble was only avoided when Mugabe agreed to set up a unity government with his arch-rival as prime minister.

Tsvangirai said “toxic issues” remain with Mugabe's ZANU-PF party over control of the central bank, use of the attorney general's powers and the share of other political posts. But his foreign trips abroad are now devoted to getting aid, investment and trying to convince the international community to ease sanctions.

Tsvangirai met Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, in Davos. “His view is that the perception out there is still very negative as long as Mugabe is there.

“As far as we are concerned, the country has to move forward with or without Mugabe.”

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Mugabe factor hits hopes of ending sanctions

The president of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe at the U.N. Conference Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, yesterday, for the 14th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union. (AP)

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