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| Version 3 | Version 4 |
|---|---|
| Opposition 'must accept Mugabe' | Opposition 'must accept Mugabe' |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe says he is open to talks on ending the country's political crisis, provided the opposition accepts him as leader. | Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe says he is open to talks on ending the country's political crisis, provided the opposition accepts him as leader. |
| "I am the president," he said. "Everybody has to accept that if they want dialogue." | "I am the president," he said. "Everybody has to accept that if they want dialogue." |
| He was speaking in Harare, after returning from an African summit. | He was speaking in Harare, after returning from an African summit. |
| The opposition pulled out of last Friday's presidential run-off, citing violence in a campaign that has drawn international condemnation. | The opposition pulled out of last Friday's presidential run-off, citing violence in a campaign that has drawn international condemnation. |
| Mr Mugabe's comments came as the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) accused the government of trying to wipe out the parliamentary majority that it won in March. | Mr Mugabe's comments came as the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) accused the government of trying to wipe out the parliamentary majority that it won in March. |
| The party holds a majority of 10 seats in the 210-seat parliament. | The party holds a majority of 10 seats in the 210-seat parliament. |
| But at least 10 of its newly-elected MPs are either in prison or wanted by the police on a range of charges, the BBC's Peter Greste reports from Johannesburg. | But at least 10 of its newly-elected MPs are either in prison or wanted by the police on a range of charges, the BBC's Peter Greste reports from Johannesburg. |
| Zimbabwe's state-run Herald newspaper reported that one MP was wanted for provoking political violence and he is now on the run. | Zimbabwe's state-run Herald newspaper reported that one MP was wanted for provoking political violence and he is now on the run. |
| The MDC said another of its MPs had been abducted, while 53 are fighting court challenges to their electoral victories. | The MDC said another of its MPs had been abducted, while 53 are fighting court challenges to their electoral victories. |
| Hero's welcome | Hero's welcome |
| Thousands of Zimbabweans greeted Mr Mugabe on his return from last weekend's African Union summit, where he defended his re-election. | Thousands of Zimbabweans greeted Mr Mugabe on his return from last weekend's African Union summit, where he defended his re-election. |
| The supporters were ferried in buses to Harare airport, where they danced and sang election campaign anthems. | The supporters were ferried in buses to Harare airport, where they danced and sang election campaign anthems. |
| We are a peaceful country, but if there is a... neighbouring country that is itching for a fight, ah, then let them try it Robert Mugabe | |
| Zimbabwean journalist Brian Hungwe said ruling party Zanu-PF youths mobilised people in the townships around the capital, Harare, to go to the airport to welcome Mr Mugabe home. | Zimbabwean journalist Brian Hungwe said ruling party Zanu-PF youths mobilised people in the townships around the capital, Harare, to go to the airport to welcome Mr Mugabe home. |
| Mr Mugabe's movements since the summit have not been reported. | Mr Mugabe's movements since the summit have not been reported. |
| "(MDC leader Morgan) Tsvangirai and his group must disabuse themselves of their claim (to power)," he said on his arrival in Harare. | |
| "We are open to dialogue but reality is reality and it has to be accepted... I am the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe." | |
| Meanwhile, military police have been seen forcibly closing down ruling party bases in townships used to intimidate people ahead of last week's election. | Meanwhile, military police have been seen forcibly closing down ruling party bases in townships used to intimidate people ahead of last week's election. |
| It has come as a shock to many township residents to see the security forces turning against Zanu-PF supporters, beating them up and telling them to shut their bases, Brian Hungwe says. | It has come as a shock to many township residents to see the security forces turning against Zanu-PF supporters, beating them up and telling them to shut their bases, Brian Hungwe says. |
| It is thought that now that the elections are over, the party wants to get rid of the unpopular bases and disband the militia, he reports. | It is thought that now that the elections are over, the party wants to get rid of the unpopular bases and disband the militia, he reports. |
| Continuing violence | Continuing violence |
| African leaders called for a unity government after MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai pulled out of last week's presidential run-off, citing state-sponsored political violence. | |
| But the opposition has said violence must end before talks on sharing power. | But the opposition has said violence must end before talks on sharing power. |
| On Friday, Botswana - the African country to take the toughest stance against Mr Mugabe - urged Zimbabwe's neighbours not to recognise the election result. | |
| Foreign Minister Phandu Sekelemani said Zimbabwe should not be able to take part in meetings of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) "until such time that they demonstrate their commitment to strictly adhere to the organisation's principles". | |
| People at the US embassy say they were displaced in election violence | |
| Mr Mugabe appeared to rebuff African criticism as he returned to Zimbabwe. | |
| "If there are some who may want to fight us, they should think twice," he said. | |
| "We don't intend to fight any neighbours. We are a peaceful country, but if there is a ...neighbouring country that is itching for a fight, ah, then let them try it." | |
| Also Friday, the European Union said it would only accept a result that respected Zimbabwe's first round on 29 March, when official results gave Mr Tsvangirai more votes than Mr Mugabe - but not enough to avoid a run-off. | |
| A statement from the EU's French presidency said any settlement should be followed by a brief transition period, then fresh elections. | |
| Since last week's run-off, the MDC says nine of its supporters have been murdered, hundreds more beaten and forced to leave their homes. | |
| Almost 100 people have been killed and 200,000 left homeless since the March vote, the opposition says. | Almost 100 people have been killed and 200,000 left homeless since the March vote, the opposition says. |