TOP OFFICIALS OFFER MUGABE'S RESIGNATION.

(From SAPA (South African Press Association))

Two top officials of President Robert Mugabe's ruling ZANU(PF) party have offered the 78-year-old's resignation in negotiations with the main opposition party in a bid to resolve the country's crisis. Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), said in an interview at the weekend that the offer came from Emmerson Mnangagwa, the speaker of parliament and third-in-line in the ruling party hierarchy, and General Vitalis Zvinavashe, the commander of the defence force. "Part of the deal would include Mugabe retiring," he said. "It is the critical element. As far as Mnangagwa and Zvinavashe are concerned, it will be part of the deal." …