New problems for Smith's stooges

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The internal settlement in Zimbabwe suffered a further blow last week when the Executive Council agreed to put off the proposed elections. to This move is a reflection of the inability of Smith and his black stooges to establish the settlement on stable foundation.

Claims

It can be expected to further weaken the claims of Sithole and Muzorewa that they have obtained significant gains for blacks through the settlement.

Sithole and Muzorewa are both building up private armies to ensure an apparent support for themselves.

In the past Muzorewa in particular has claimed that his supporters have been attacked and shot.

This inter-party conflict would seem to have reached crisis proportions.

Last week the transitional Smith-calling the tune government banned the holding of membership cards and the wearing of T-shirts or vests with names or pictures of political leaders on them.

Base of support

Smith. quite clearly continues to call the tune and is using Sithole, Muzorewa and Chirau as an extra base of support while he continues his campaign for a behind the scenes deal with Nkomo.

Meanwhile in Salisbury last week Smith called on Britain and the US to explain why they are taking so long to convene the all-party conference on a no preconditions basis that he agreed in Washington last month.

THE REACTIONARY Ethiopian military dictatorship has launched a fresh attempt to crush the liberation struggle in 40,000 troops have been assigned the task of recapturing the city of Keren, according to an EPLF spokesman.

This new offensive includes more active participation of Cuban and Soviet "advisors" concentrated largely behind the front line in support and heavy artillery detachments, but fighting no less tenaciously to repress the Eritrean people.

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launch 'majority rule' from December to April.