Opposition says it is not in talks for Zimbabwe leader to relinquish power

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Zimbabwe's main opposition leader insisted that he has won presidential elections outright and was not negotiating to ease out President Robert Mugabe, who has led Zimbabwe from liberation to ruin. Morgan Tsvangirai said Tuesday at his first news conference since Saturday's elections that he was waiting on an official announcement of election results before he would enter any discussions with Mugabe. A businessman close to the state electoral commission and a lawyer close to the opposition said earlier that the two men's aides were negotiating a graceful exit for the country's leader of 28 years. Both sources spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. Several diplomats said they had heard similar reports of secret negotiations but could not confirm talks were under way. "There are no discussions," Tsvangirai said. "Let's wait for ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) to complete its work, then we can discuss the circumstances that will affect the people."