Mugabe jeered as Parliament opens

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe was jeered as he opened Parliament in defiance of opposition objections, but voiced optimism for a power-sharing deal to end political turmoil.

Heckling by parliamentarians from the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) drowned out Mr Mugabe's speech, underscoring the bitterness of the divide. It said reconvening Parliament could undermine deadlocked talks. "Landmark agreements have been concluded, with every expectation that everyone will sign up," said Mr Mugabe, 84, whose Zanu-PF party goes into the new Parliament without a majority for the first time since independence from Britain in 1980.

"The elections are now behind us, what is upon us is a challenge of vision and common purposes. Now is the time for us to put Zimbabwe first," Mr Mugabe said. Opposition MPs snubbed Mr Mugabe by not rising when he entered the chamber and chanted "Zanu is rotten!"

The MDC, which does not recognise Mr Mugabe as President, said he had no right to open the chamber.

Zimbabwe's main opposition MDC said three of its Parliamentarians were arrested at parliament yesterday for what it called trumped up charges of political violence.