Mugabe says opposition must drop claim to power

Source: CCTV.com | 07-05-2008 10:29

Zimbabwe's President, Robert Mugabe, says the opposition must drop its claim to power and accept that he is the rightful head of state.

Mugabe returned home from Egypt on Friday after an African Union summit which told him to negotiate a national unity government with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. At the airport, Mugabe told thousands of supporters that Tsvangirai's group must abandon its claim to power. He added that he is open to dialogue but his re-election should be accepted.

Mugabe extended his 28-year rule in a June election which Tsvangirai boycotted. Tsvangirai said a violent, government-backed campaign made a fair vote impossible.

Editor:Zhang Ning