Generals seek swift Mugabe exit
HARARE, Zimbabwe - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's public appearance at a university graduation ceremony Friday - leaving the confinement of his mansion - was stage-managed by the military to deflect accusations it took control of the country Wednesday in a military coup.
The move was designed to assure neighboring governments that Zimbabwe's political crisis is nothing but an internal conflict in the ruling ZANU-PF party, with Mugabe still nominally the head of state, although stripped of executive powers.
Mugabe, clad in an academic gown, made no speech at the ceremony, but opened the event to applause.
