Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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July 22, 2008

Zimbabwe's Political Rivals Set to Begin Power-Sharing Talks 
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1D587FB:A6F02AD83191E1602636CC56BAC506B4A13B8D4F2090AB2B&
 
South African president will mediate talks between Robert Mugabe, Morgan
Tsvangirai, on formation of national unity government 
Diplomatic sources say talks will begin Tuesday in South Africa between
Zimbabwe's ruling party and its main opposition in an effort to end the
country's violent political crisis. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe
(L) shakes hands with Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan
Tsvangirai, 21 Jul 2008The talks are part of an agreement signed Monday
in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare Monday by President Robert Mugabe
and Morgan Tsvangirai, head of the opposition Movement for Democratic
Change. It was the first face-to face meeting between the political
rivals in a decade. South African President Thabo Mbeki, the chief
negotiator between the two sides, attended the ceremony.The document
gives the parties two weeks to complete the talks, which will focus on
the formation of a government of national unity and the cessation of
violence.U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the signing of the
document and encouraged all sides to engage in serious talks that would
l!
 ead to a lasting solution to the political crisis in Zimbabwe.The
United States reacted cautiously to the agreement between the two sides,
saying any talks must reflect the people's will.The negotiations will be
brokered by Mr. Mbeki, but overseen by representatives from the African
Union and United Nations. The MDC accused the South African leader of
favoring Mr. Mugabe.The 84-year-old Mugabe was re-elected last month in
a widely condemned runoff vote in which he was the only candidate.Mr.
Tsvangirai dropped out before the election because 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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