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Zimbabwe Rivals Agree to Start Negotiations

Mugabe, Tsvangirai sign deal creating framework for talks

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 21, 2008 12:40 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Robert Mugabe has signed a deal with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai establishing negotiations on the future of Zimbabwe, the BBC reports. The rivals met for the first time in 10 years to sign the agreement, which South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki witnessed. The deal does not create the power-sharing structure Mbeki proposed; it creates a framework for further negotiations.

Tsvangirai characterized the agreement as the "first tentative step towards searching for a solution to a country that is in crisis. We want to make sure that every Zimbabwean feels safe, we want to share a common prosperity for everyone.” But he noted that his opposition MDC had many conditions, such as the cessation of army intimidation of supporters, before talks could begin.

In a June 27, 2008, file photo, Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the main opposition party in Zimbabwe addresses a press conference at his home in Harare.
In a June 27, 2008, file photo, Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the main opposition party in Zimbabwe addresses a press conference at his home in Harare.   (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
President Robert Mugabe, left shakes the hands of Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the main opposition leader in Zimbabwe at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two parties in Harare, Monday, July, 21, 2008. Both of the leaders said they were committed to the talks.
President Robert Mugabe, left shakes the hands of Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the main opposition leader in Zimbabwe at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two parties in Harare,...   (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, centre, is seen as Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the main opposition leader, right, and Arthur Mutambara, leader of the other faction of the opposition party shake hands, at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two parties in Harare, Monday, July, 21, 2008. Zimbabwe's...
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, centre, is seen as Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the main opposition leader, right, and Arthur Mutambara, leader of the other faction of the opposition party shake hands,...   (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
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Zimbabwe • Robert Mugabe • Morgan Tsvangirai • Thabo Mbeki • negotiations • disputed election • Movement for Democratic Change

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