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     Italy gives in to Mugabe's fist of foolery

                                                        Special Report - ZimEye

TOYAKO, Japan- Italian Prime Minister has suggested a compromise deal between Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and the opposition to end the political crisis rather than sanctions.
 
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said G8 leaders attending the summit in Japan had discussed the possibility of "heavy sanctions" against Zimbabwe, but African countries are worried that it could trigger a civil war.
 
"South Africa is pushing for a deal between the president and his opponent, and I agree. Sanctions can have a negative effect," Berlusconi said on the sidelines of the summit.
 
The international community including the UN security council is contemplating the imposition of sanctions on Zimbabwe following the June 27 presidential election which gave Mugabe another five year term
 
The June 27 election has received widespread condemnation following the withdrawal of the opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai.
 
Mugabe went ahead with the elections despite calls to postpone the polls from the regional block SADC and the UN. When asked by an ITV Reporter:

'On what basis do you still call yourself President of Zimbabwe?'

Mr Mugabe's answer was in nine simple words,

'On the same basis that Mr Brown regards himself as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe' effectively labelling himself an illegitimate President. Mugabe has also said that the opposition has to recognise his Presidency first before he can engage talks with them. Despite the open brutality, killings, and intimidation of voters by Robert Mugabe Italy, has joined South Africa and a few other African countries in recognising Mugabe's Presidency.  

Source ZimEye and agencies. Additional reporting by Simbarashe Chikanza