Pushing Mugabe out risks chaos: Tsvangirai

By Michael Georgy and Serena Chaudhry

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Western pressure for Robert Mugabe's removal could lead to chaos in Zimbabwe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said on Saturday, in comments that could discourage donors distrustful of the veteran president.

"This man is part of the solution, whether you like him or not," Tsvangirai said in an interview, adding it was up to Mugabe, in power since 1980, to decide when to step down.

"If you push somebody out and you are not even sure what will happen when you push somebody out, then the result is unpredictable. Who is going to manage that situation? It could be chaotic."

Western powers have welcomed Zimbabwe's new unity government led by old foes Mugabe and Tsvangirai, but have made it clear they would prefer it if Mugabe was not in power.

Western donors, crucial for Zimbabwe's recovery from a 10-year economic crisis, have said their aid will only flow to the southern African country when political and economic reforms are implemented.

That could mean months, if not years, of pressure on Mugabe and Tsvangirai to provide relief to millions of Zimbabweans. Their credibility hinges on their ability to repair the economy, and that is unlikely unless the old foes work together.

Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change blames central bank governor Gideon Gono for Zimbabwe's economic woes and wants him removed from the position, a demand that is one of the remaining sticking points between Mugabe and Tsvangirai.

Tsvangirai noted Western countries were concerned over such obstacles. "There is no indication on the ground that we are making progress," said the man who was once Mugabe's most determined opponent and spent time in his jails.