By Cris Chinaka
HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party onThursday accused the main opposition MDC of plotting withPresident Robert Mugabe's Western foes to rob him of executivepowers in post-election negotiations.
The accusations were made despite the clearest signs yetthat the two sides could soon sign a power-sharing deal to endpolitical turmoil that has worsened Zimbabwe's economicdecline.
"We are facing the same problems in these talks that wehave been facing with the MDC, they are trying to advance theinterests of Western forces, particularly of Britain and theU.S.," said the ZANU-PF official.
"In respect of these talks, they are directly taking ordersand advice from British and American diplomats here, orders toget a deal that strips President Mugabe of all power and makeshim a ceremonial head of state."
The negotiations started after Mugabe's re-electionunopposed in a June presidential poll that was boycotted byMovement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangiraiand condemned around the world.
Mugabe said on Wednesday he was hopeful that apower-sharing deal could be signed on Thursday.
Tsvangirai also sounded an optimistic note, saying he hadbeen told by South African President Thabo Mbeki that "verylittle work" was needed to finalise the deal.
MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa dismissed the ZANU-PF chargesof collusion with the Western countries, which have imposedsanctions on Mugabe and his inner circle to try to forcechange.
"I am not going to get into details of the talks except tosay we are negotiating in good faith and with an open mind. Youcannot say the same about ZANU-PF."
Despite the statements from both sides this week, manyZimbabweans question the optimism.
Tsvangirai, who won the initial election in March butfailed to get adequate ballots for an outright victory,boycotted the second vote over attacks on his supporters.
Zimbabweans hope a deal can pave the way for there-habilitate an economy in meltdown, as shown by inflation ofover 11 million percent and severe food and fuel shortages thathave driven millions across the country's borders, strainingregional economies.
(Writing by Michael Georgy)
