Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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July 20, 2008

Zimbabwe Opposition to Hold Formal Talks With Ruling Party 
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1D50FA9:A6F02AD83191E160328665EF75219076B3350E090FE6A6E8&
 
Movement for Democratic Change says party leaders are expected to sign
an agreement to start formal negotiations with Zanu-PF party 
Zimbabwe's main opposition is preparing to hold formal talks with
President Robert Mugabe's ruling party, in an effort to end the
country's political crisis.Officials for the opposition Movement for
Democratic Change (MDC) say party leaders are expected to sign an
agreement to start formal negotiations with the ruling Zanu-PF party as
early as Monday. The breakthrough came on Friday when South African
President Thabo Mbeki announced plans to work closely with the African
Union and United Nations in his mediation efforts.Zimbabwe opposition
leader Morgan Tsvangirai addresses the media in Harare, 02 Jul
2008Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai had insisted on an additional
mediator, accusing Mr. Mbeki of favoring the ruling party. Kenyan Prime
Minister Raila Odinga said Sunday that talks between the MDC and the
ruling party will be the first step in giving President Mugabe a "safe
exit" from power.In an interview with BBC News, Mr. Odinga described the
Zimbabwean leader as an e!
 mbarrassment to the African continent, adding that he should only be
allowed to retain a ceremonial presidency.Mr. Mugabe was re-elected last
month in a widely condemned run-off vote in which he was the only
candidate.Mr. Tsvangirai dropped out before the election after many of
his supporters were killed in violence he said was state-sponsored.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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