Zanzibar — Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume yesterday said his agreement with the Civic United Front (CUF) to end longstanding animosity between them was the opposition party's initiative.

Speaking in his trademark relaxed style, President Karume told a well-attended rally at Kibanda Maiti grounds that it was CUF leaders who made the first move that culminated in his meeting with CUF secretarygeneral Seif Shariff Hamad at State House on November 5.

However, like CUF officials, President Karume did not go into

details on what was agreed, only saying that they agreed to put their differences aside.

"I want to tell all those who have been circulating rumours that

what we did was confine ourselves to peace, tranquility and unity in Zanzibar, which is not a small issue," he said.

Elaborating, President Karume said Mr Hamad sent him a message, seeking an audience with him, and he immediately granted the request, saying, "I had made it clear that the

doors to the State House are always open."

Mr Hamad informed him during the talks that the CUF leadership had decided to cooperate with his (President Karume's) government if he was willing.

"Because that is what I and my colleagues in CCM have been

aspiring for years, I did not hesitate to tell him that that was what I have been praying for all along."

President Karume said Mr Hamad told him that after lengthy deliberations within CUF, the party came to the conclusion that its stance of not recognising his government was an impediment to development in Zanzibar.

"I'm glad that they have finally realised that the position contradicted reality as their members in the House of Representatives have been cooperating with my government and ordinary wananchi in the constituencies have also been working together as one," he said.

President Karume praised Mr Hamad for having the courage to publicly declare the resolution of the CUF leadership.

"I've heard what happened here when Mr Hamad addressed that rally... I must congratulate him for his boldness and his firm stand. I think that more CUF members are now aware of and understand the importance of the decision reached by their party," he said.

President Karume assured those who attended the rally that there was nothing sinister in his meeting with Mr Hamad. "He didn't even drink tea with milk as many people have been saying. He only had a glass of water and so did I," he said on a lighter note.

He said what was discussed centred on the future of Zanzibar, adding that he was glad that the opposition party has realised that what mattered most was Zanzibar and its people.

"I believe that we have at last managed to achieve lasting peace and tranquility in Zanzibar.

That is what matters...we have been congratulated by the whole world, and we are supposed to cherish and be proud of what we have attained," he said.

He appealed to Zanzibaris not to worry, saying whatever the two leaders had agreed would not be implemented without the people's full support.

President Karume and Mr Hamad opened a new chapter in their decadelong political rivalry when they met at the State House earlier this month.

Mr Hamad has since held two public rallies in Unguja and Pemba to explain to CUF supporters why he met with Mr Karume and his decision to recognise him as the President of Zanzibar.

Others who attended yesterday's rally included Chief Minister Shamsi Vuai Nahodha, Deputy Chief Minister Ali Juma Shamuhuna, CCM officials and some opposition leaders.

In stark contrast to the chaotic rally CUF held at the same venue a day after President Karume and Mr Hamad met, yesterday's meeting was marked by pomp and pageantry, with the large crowd regularly interrupting President Karume's speech with rapturous cheers.

Thousands of CCM supporters sang songs in praise of President Karume and the ruling party for agreeing to meet Mr Hamad at the State House.

It was yet another display of CCM's organisational prowess as thousands of the party's supporters turned up for the colourful rally.

It was clear that the elaborate event had been planned for several days, which partly explains why President Karume did not rush to make public statements immediately after meeting Mr Hamad.