Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has called for unity in the nation's
power sharing government, while criticizing the West for putting
conditions on aid to his troubled nation.
Speaking Saturday at a
state funeral, Mr. Mugabe called on members of the unity government to
speak with one voice and show they are truly united.
Mr.
Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF party and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai
and his Movement for Democratic Change formed the unity government
earlier this year, after months of difficult negotiations and strong
pressure from regional leaders.
On Saturday, Mr. Mugabe lashed
out at western nations that have balked at offering more aid to
Zimbabwe without further political reforms. He said Zimbabwe should
not humiliate itself any further and only go to those friends who are
prepared to work with them on equal terms.
Mr. Tsvangirai
recently toured the United States and Europe seeking aid to the nation,
which has been on the verge of economic collapse for months. Western
nations pledged support but said they wanted to see more progress.
The
government has had some success toward lifting Zimbabwe out of a deep
economic crisis marked by years of food shortages and hyperinflation.
But that progress has been hindered by internal disputes, especially
over which side will control two key positions, attorney general and
central bank governor.
Last month, Mr. Tsvangirai threatened to
quit the government, accusing the ZANU-PF of treating MDC members with
disrespect and contempt.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
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