UPDATE - Zimbabwe's Mugabe ends TV speech without resigning

UPDATES WITH MORE QUOTES FROM MUGABE'S ADDRESS, REACTION FROM HARARE RESIDENT

By John Cassim

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AA) - President Robert Mugabe made his first television appearance since the military intervention on Sunday night, but despite wide expectations that he would announce his resignation, the 93-year-old instead said the country needs to “return to normalcy”.

Zimbabweans closely watched Mugabe’s live address on national television, but many who expected him to step down were left disappointed.

Following the events in the past week, millions of people wanted to hear Mugabe announce his resignation following his ruling ZANU PF party's decision to recall and expel him.

His party had given him until Monday to resign or face impeachment.

In a televised speech read in the presence of the country's generals, Mugabe acknowledged the concerns raised by the army as well as his own party.

He called for respecting the constitution, "and the need to address differences amicably".

Mugabe added: "I acknowledge the concerns raised by the military and the ruling ZANU PF, which came as a result of revenge and vengeance, but []they should not run the country with bitterness."

He expressed gratitude to the pillars of the Zimbabwean government for remaining unshaken amid the week-long challenges brought about by the military intervention.

The first television appearance had widely been advertised but fell short of addressing the call by millions of citizens who took to the streets Saturday calling for resignation of Mugabe, who ended his speech with the words: “I thank you and good night.”

Harare-based Lionnel Tshuma expressed his frustration.

"I think they are trying to make it a respectable exit when he either finally resigns or is impeached, but we have waited for long enough and this is not healthy for the nation,” Tshuma said.