Mugabe, Tsvangirai sign Zimbabwe framework deal

[maddezmom]

Source: Reuters

HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai on Monday signed a deal laying down the framework for formal talks on forming a power sharing government to end a deep political crisis.

It was the first meeting between the two rivals, who are said to detest each other, in 10 years. They sat at a conference table separated by South African President Thabo Mbeki who mediated the deal.

The preliminary agreement was signed in Harare's Rainbow Towers Hotel after weeks of deadlock since Mugabe was re-elected on June 27 in a widely condemned poll boycotted by Tsvangirai because of violence against his supporters.

Mbeki said the agreement committed both sides to an intense process to try to complete substantive negotiations as quickly as possible. "All parties recognize the urgency," he said.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080721/wl_nm/zimbabwe_crisis_dc

[mainegreen]

1. Oooh, a framework for talks!

This is what, the tenth round of talks in the last two years?
I'd be shocked if this isn't just Mugabe paying lip service, in order to delay seating parliament until he can get another round of votes to remove the majority of seats the MDC won in the election.

[MonteLukast]

3. Exactly. You can't trust Mugabe. (nm)

[David__77]

2. I'm pleasesd that they are engaged in communication.

National reconciliation must come through African channels.

[MonteLukast]

4. I hope you're right.

Which African countries are the best models of democratic government? (other than South Africa, of course) I know that Kenya probably took the most steps toward it, but they've got more corruption that we do so it's really more like an oligarchy than a democracy.

[David__77]

5. South Africa is an important player.

As are Angola, Mozambique, and perhaps Namibia and Zambia.

[Posteritatis]

7. Botswana's got a good reputation in that department

My respect cup runneth over for that place, between that and the way they're trying to approach the AIDS crisis.

[cobalt1999]

6. Mugabe will never leave office until forced

The talks are just for show and try and get some international good will.