The incident followed strong criticism of Tsvangirai in the Herald, a pro-government newspaper, for failing to accept Mugabe's terms in the talks. After the passport seizures, the MDC released a statement accusing Mugabe and his ZANU-PF party of not negotiating in good faith.
"ZANU-PF's latest antics show that the regime is not sincere on the dialogue process. The detention is an affront to SADC, to the [African Union] and to the broader international community who are working hard to peacefully resolve Zimbabwe's crisis," the MDC statement said. "Mugabe continues to preach dialogue and to act war."
The failure of the talks leaves Mugabe coping with raging hyperinflation and a severe currency crisis, with money so short that Western Union pays out in gas coupons instead of cash.
The country has no hope of a Western rescue package, reengagement with international financial institutions or credibility among foreign investors without a deal that includes Tsvangirai.
It is highly doubtful that an agreement that sees Mugabe retain significant executive power would win Western support.
A currency crisis arose after a German company recently stopped providing the paper to print new bank notes on, most of which are rendered useless within weeks of release because of hyperinflation.
The country is also facing widespread hunger, with cases of starvation being reported, after Mugabe suspended operations of foreign aid agencies.
Even without Tsvangirai, Mugabe plans to form a government next week, according to the state-owned media.
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robyn.dixon@latimes.com
