|
President Bingu wa Mutharika and UDF national chair Bakili Muluzi are reported to have held talks that ended in a stalemate on Wednesday night.
But two top officials close to the talks on Thursday denied the meeting ever took place.
A source said the two would meet again in the next few weeks to resolve sticky issues, among them that Bingu still wants to be co-chair of the UDF and the outbursts being made by supporters of the two leaders.
Reports indicate that the two leaders, who have been at the centre of the controversy raging between government and the UDF, met after foreign presidents were escorted at the Kamuzu International Airport.
“Mutharika still insists to be the co-national chair and also demanded the disbandment of the Fast Track and disciplining of those supporters who are still making outbursts amid the current talks,” said the source that claimed the meeting took place at the Lilongwe State Lodge.
“After the brief meeting they agreed to give a chance to the talks between the negotiating committee,” said the source.
Co-chair of the negotiating team Yusuf Mwawa denied the meeting took place.
“The answer I will give you is that I do not know anything about it,” said Mwawa.
Mwawa said it was not in the interest of both the government and UDF that the matter be discussed and resolved in the press.
Information Minister Ken Lipenga also said he did not know that the meeting took place.
“I have not heard about that. I do not know anything,” said Lipenga.
He said Muluzi was in Lilongwe on Thursday to attend the launch of the Mtwara corridor as former head of state.
“The launch was a national event and he came in his capacity as former head of state. It was important that he should come,” said Lipenga.
“What I can say is that both the government and the UDF have the trust that the matter will be resolved amicably,” he added.
He only lamented that those that are making outbursts are not helping the talks.
|
