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Tsvangirai: Africa, UN Must Broker Deal

Seeks 'transitional period;' willing to negotiate before vote

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 25, 2008 9:02 AM CDT

(Newser) – Morgan Tsvangirai is calling for a “negotiated political settlement” to begin a period of “healing” for Zimbabwe, the BBC reports. Speaking at his home after leaving the Dutch embassy, the opposition leader called Friday’s election a sham, and asked the African Union and Southern African Development Community to lead a UN-backed “transitional period.”

While Tsvangirai said he would be willing to negotiate with Robert Mugabe’s ruling ZANU-PF, he said the MDC would “not have anything to do” with the government emerging from Friday’s vote. He also demanded the release of MDC deputy Tendai Biti, who is charged with treason.

Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the main opposition party in Zimbabwe gestures  at a press conference in Harare, Sunday, June, 22, 2008.
Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the main opposition party in Zimbabwe gestures at a press conference in Harare, Sunday, June, 22, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) chairman George Chiweshe addresses election observers and journalists in Harare, Monday June 23, 2008.
Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) chairman George Chiweshe addresses election observers and journalists in Harare, Monday June 23, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the main opposition party in Zimbabwe speaks  at a press conference in Harare, Sunday, June, 22, 2008.
Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the main opposition party in Zimbabwe speaks at a press conference in Harare, Sunday, June, 22, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
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