'How can we fail to forgive our own black brothers': Mugabe

Speaking during the political parties dialogue meeting in Harare this Friday, President Mugabe called on leaders  of the three political parties in the inclusive government to go down to grassroots levels and preach the gospel of peace and co-existence.

Mugabe told the gathering that Zimbabweans should learn to tolerate one another irrespective of political, religious and other affiliations as they belong to one country which has a common flag and a common anthem as well as a shared history.

He explained that differences in political parties and ideological paths should not turn the nationals of one country into enemies.

"We forgave Ian Smith after independence how can we fail to forgive our own black brothers...,"said the President.

The President spoke about the need for every citizen of Zimbabwe to fully enjoy their individual rights without being hampered by others who may not share the same views, saying it is for these freedoms and rights that the struggle for independence was fought.

Talk of a possible election next year has reignited violence, which had decreased after Mugabe and Tsvangirai formed a unity government more than two years ago following a disputed election in 2008

Mugabe noted that despite their differences in ideology and political paths, his relationship with Tsvangirai had changed from one of hostility to one of friendly opposition and urged party supporters to emulate this.

Mugabe expressed surprise that the spirit of violence has of late grabbed even churches citing the Anglican Church which is currently torn apart in a wrangle between some leaders in the church.

Police have in the past few weeks disrupted MDC-T rallies in the western Matabeleland region where they have majority of parliamentary seats in 2008. Mugabe said citizens have a right to complain against the force should they feel that they have not acted accordingly.

He also said the police should protect all citizens, noting that there were complaints some officer stand by when ZANU-PF members attack Tsvangirai's supporters. President Mugabe also spoke strongly against political parties attacking the police saying such behaviour gives the country a bad name and image.

Mugabe said he was sincere in calling for an end to violence and parties should not force people to attend rallies.

"Let us walk the talk of peace. This is our sincere plea from our hearts," Mugabe said.

"People must hold their meetings freely. Don't stand in the way of those who are holding a meeting."

Meanwhile, the leaders of the two MDC formations say there is urgent need for the gospel of peace to cascade down to the grassroots which is still heavily polarised.

MDC leader, Professor Welshman Ncube said the meeting of the political parties at the highest level is a clear demonstration of the commitment of the principals' sincerity in maintaining peace and stability in the country.

Mugabe, Tsvangirai and Ncube collectively condemned political violence in Zimbabwe because the country has witnessed spates of violence during the past few weeks. Despite the show of unity there are allegations that some political leaders preach peace publicly and clandestinely sponsor violence.