Noisy row over Mozambique MPs

Dhlakama took on sole command of Renamo in July

By Jose Tembe BBC, Maputo

Riot police were called in on Thursday to restore order in Mozambique's parliament after opposition MPs banged on the tables, shouted and whistled.

The MPs were protesting after the assembly refused to allow them to replace five of their members who had either defected or been expelled.

Their Mozambique National Resistance Party (Renamo) claims that the five, including the organization's former number two, Raul Domingos, can no longer defend the interests of the people who elected them.

However, the majority Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) party says the five are protected by the law.

Frelimo MP Mateus Kathupa said Renamo's attitude is in violation of the law.

'Force'

Under the Mozambican constitution, MPs have to serve until the end of their mandate unless they die or become ill.

They may also be replaced if they express interest in leaving parliament.

Frelimo insists the five should continue to serve as independents in parliament until general elections in 2004.

The five ex-Renamo members who want to remain in parliament as independent MPs are Almeida Tambara, Chico Francisco, Raul Domingos, Rachide Tayob and Jose Henriques Lopes.

But Renamo MP Luthero Simango said their demand was legitimate.

The party has said it will replace them by force.

But Frelimo MP Mateus Kathupa said the police would be called in to restore order.

Frelimo won 133 seats in parliamentary elections three years ago, while the opposition coalition took 117.