Makoni Expresses Disappointment At Exclusion From Talks

Posted to the web 23 July 2008 Lance Guma Independent presidential candidate Simba Makoni who came third in the March 29 election has expressed disappointment at being left out from Monday's signing ceremony between ZANU-PF and the MDC. In an interview with South Africa's SAFM radio station, Makoni said he could not explain his absence from the historic ceremony held at a Harare hotel. "I feel it is sad that we are not involved at this stage. But this is only the beginning, there is more to come and we believe that we will make our contribution in that more to come," the former Finance Minister said. With 8 percent of the vote in the presidential vote Makoni expected a role in the process but instead Arthur Mutambara heading the breakaway MDC faction, Morgan Tsvangirai and Robert Mugabe have emerged the principal parties.... [read full story]