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Elements in Place for Zimbabwe Talks - But Mugabe Stands Off
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(http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=E94BE0:3919ACA

Former Mozambican president Joaquim Chissano's entry as official
mediator of proposed ruling party-opposition talks sets the stage for
progress in the stalemate - but President Mugabe remains in the wings
Financial, political and diplomatic negotiations continued in the
background Friday with no word on whether President Robert Mugabe and
his government were prepared to meet conditions reportedly demanded by
South Africa in exchange for a loan of several hundred million
dollars.

The state-controlled Herald newspaper said South Africa had in fact
demanded no such concessions from Harare, despite what appears to be
some determination in Pretoria to use the Zimbabwe’s urgent need for
the loan to make progress in resolving its political crisis.

The paper quoted incoming South African Ambassador Mlungisi Makalimaq
as saying Harare and Pretoria are discussing a number of issues,
including the financial aid package – but without political conditions
as has been widely reported. The top condition is said to be for
Harare to open talks with its opposition.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai reiterated his satisfaction with
the African Union’s choice of former Mozambican president Joaquim
Chissano as mediator in the proposed talks.

The Reuters news agency quoted Mr. Tsvangirai as endorsing “principled
discussions” with the Mugabe government – but Mr. Tsvangirai, in the
Seychelles on vacation, told Reuters that Mr. Chissano would have to
show he is an honest broker and would have a difficult task persuading
Mr. Mugabe to come to the table.

In South Africa, meanwhile, opposition officials were urging President
Thabo Mbeki to demand President Mugabe's resignation as a condition
for the loan.

Democratic Alliance Chief Whip Douglas Gibson says only Mr. Mugabe’s
exit can resolve the Zimbabwe crisis, saying Pretoria must stand firm
if Mr. Mugabe refuses to meet conditions for the bailout package.
Opposition whips are calling on Finance Minister Trevor Manuel to make
a statement on the loan.

Reporter Blessing Zulu of VOA’s Studio 7 for Zimbabwe asked Mr. Gibson
about the pressure being applied to the Pretoria government by the
opposition.

More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...

 


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