President attacks Biti over budget

He gave an example of agriculture, saying the MDC formations were reluctant to fund the sector as evidenced by the failure by Minister Biti to release funds to the Grain Marketing Board to pay farmers for grain delivered.

“We are worried because there is no unanimity in that Government. On the financing of agriculture for example, we would want farmers to be well funded but others are not as serious minded as we are,” President Mugabe said.

He described yesterday’s Central Committee meeting as critical as it prepared Zanu-PF for its 11th Annual National People’s Conference set for Bulawayo next week.
“It is a critical meeting that we should prepare for adequately since it is the last such conference before we go for general elections.
“The forthcoming conference more or less has the same status as our five-year congress,” President Mugabe said.

He said the conference should therefore prepare Zanu-PF for the general elections and urged the Central Committee members to articulate party policies like the indigenisation and economic empowerment to the grassroots.
The policy seeks to economically empower the once marginalised indigenous people by acquiring at least 51 percent shareholding in foreign-owned companies.

President Mugabe branded the inclusive Government “illegal and unconstitutional” saying individuals in the Sadc-brokered political arrangement were not elected into their offices and do not have the people’s mandate.

He said Zanu-PF was not in a position to implement policies that benefit the people           because of lack of cohesion in the inclusive Government.
The President said going for elections was the only alternative left, but noted that the MDC formations were opposed to the ballot.

President Mugabe said he expected Copac to complete the drafting of a new constitution within a month and pave the way for elections.
“We look forward to the conference in Bulawayo succeeding. We as the Central Committee have to ensure that it succeeds and produces a result that is resoundingly revolutionary. A result that          enhances our national sovereignty,” President Mugabe said.

Earlier, President Mugabe had donated 20 computers to Eaglesvale School in Harare at a function held at the Zanu-PF headquarters.