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Mugabe has completely lost his sense of reality, says US
Ed Harris22.12.08
A new round of international pressure was growing on Zimbabwe today after a senior US envoy warned the country's stalled power-sharing deal will not work as long as Robert Mugabe remains president.
"We think he has reneged on the principle of power sharing," said US assistant Secretary of State Jendayi Frazer in Pretoria. Ms Frazer, who was sent by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to explain US policy to other southern African countries, added: "Today we know better."
A September agreement to form a unity government has unravelled over the fight for control of the main ministries, including home affairs and justice. Mr Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai failed to reach agreement on key appointments.
The country's hyper-inflation means prices double every day and a cholera epidemic has killed more than 1,100 people.
Western nations, Zimbabwe's neighbours and investors had hoped a unity government with Mr Tsvangirai as prime minister would wrest enough control from Mr Mugabe to reverse policies they blame for Zimbabwe's economic meltdown, and avert total collapse.
Ms Frazer said Mr Mugabe was out of touch with reality and described him as a "man who's lost it". She highlighted abductions of MDC supporters, the spiralling cholera epidemic - which Mr Mugabe has blamed on his western foes.
Western leaders blame Mr Mugabe for the food and fuel shortages, and have increased calls for him to step down. Ms Rice said this month his departure was well overdue.
At a weekend conference of Zanu-PF, his political party, Mr Mugabe told delegates that he would "never, never, never surrender".
Reader views (4)
Mac-Mugabe-Brown is having the same trouble but he's surrounded by Nu-Lying-Labour Luvvies that cannot take a lead. Expect the pound to follow Robert Mugabe's lead. No more Cholera in Zimbabwee. No more Boom and Bust in Britain. Wee Gordy-Mugabe thinks he's saved the world. Robert Mugabe thinks he is the world. Wee-Gordy-Mugabe-Brown wants all little children to come unto him! Well so doe's Michael Jackson! But that does not make it right!
- Mike,, London
Rusty get over yourself, this is about thousands of people dyeing for no reason than a persons ego.
The only link is has to the PM is that he needs to be doing something about it!
- Liberal Thinker, UK
He must have lost his senses.......just look at that suit he's wearing!!
- John Clarke, London, Canada
Lost all touch with reality you say? Gosh the similarites with our beloved Crash Gordon keep right on coming don't they.
- Rusty Shackleford, UK
