Zimbabwe's Mugabe chooses key ministries

HARARE, Zimbabwe

Saturday, 11 October 2008 10:21:01

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Zimbabwe's official Herald newspaper says President Robert Mugabe has chosen key ministries for his own party to control in a new government. The opposition says the action jeopardizes a power-sharing agreement.

The Herald on Saturday published a list of ministries to be controlled by the ruling party, including foreign and home affairs, defense and justice. That would ensure Mugabe could retain his grip over the security services.

According to the list, the opposition Movement for Democratic Change would get only relatively minor ministries.

Opposition spokesman Nelson Chamisa says Mugabe's action is "unilateral, contemptuous and outrageous," and jeopardizes an accord for a government of national unity.