Tsvangirai blast foreign diplomats

MDC-T leader has accussed donors and Western diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe of meddling in his party's internal politics to the extent of trying to determine who should be the leader.

Addressing party supporters in Budiriro high- density suburb, Mr Tsvangirai said, "Is that the role of diplomats? Why don't you just write to your capitals?"

Donors cut funding to the Tsvangirai led MDC-T in light of successive losses to Zanu-PF, especially last year's crushing defeat.

Tsvangirai said it is high time that Zimbabweans underwrite their own struggle.

"It is high time that Zimbabweans underwrite their own struggle. You can't continue to say to donors, 'thank you' all the time. If you are proud people you must be able to underwrite your struggle. Munofanira kuita mudeme mudeme, ingakwaMakandiwa munobhadhara maUS$10 nema$20," he said.

Mr Tsvangirai said he was not yet leaving the party presidency, saying leadership renewal would only be done through congress.

"Unfortunately, you will have me for a long time. I am not going to die in office.

"Ndinotodawo kuzowana nguva yekuzorora, ndichienda kuholiday, nebhebhi rangu pasaidhi," he said.

He said the party would in future not participate in national elections, if political reforms are not implemented.