The Central Committee of Mozambique's ruling Frelimo Party on Thursday began a five day meeting, as local media speculates the meeting is to discuss a possible changein important party posts.

In the December general elections, former president Joaquim Chissano did not stand for a further term of office as head of state. That post is now filled by the Frelimo general secretary, Armando Guebuza. But Chissano remains president of the party.

This question has been posed in local media in terms of whetherGuebuza should give up his position as general secretary. But manybelieve what is more important is whether the posts of head of state and president of Frelimo Party should be held by the same person.

Initially this issue was not on the agenda of the Central Committee meeting. Manuel Tome, the head of the Frelimo parliamentary group, told press earlier this was not among the matters to be discussed. But a meeting of the 15 member Political Commission later in the day rewrote the agenda.

Speaking at the opening of the Central Committee meeting, Chissano stressed the experience of different people holding the posts of party president and president of the republic was a new experience for Frelimo.

"We have to discuss this and decide on the most appropriate measures for the party and for the state", he said. "So the Political Commission has decided to put this matter on the agenda as a priority issue."

Chissano has declared his loyalty to Guebuza, and called on allCentral Committee members to give the new head of state "full and unconditional support."

Source: Xinhua