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Enemies meet for the first time in more than a decade

HARARE- Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai and leader of MDC breakaway Arthur Mutambara on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to lay down the framework for formal talks aimed to find a solution to end the country’s political crisis.

The leaders of the main political formations (Mugabe and Tsvangirai) met face to face for the first time in 10 years.

The deal signed before South African President Thabo Mbeki who is the facilitator sets out the tone for negotiations for a government of national unity.

Tsvangirai had previously refused to sign even a framework deal unless ruling party militias stop violence he says has killed 120 of his supporters. He also wanted Mugabe to recognise his victory in the first round of the presidential poll on March 29.

Speaking after the signing, President Mbeki said the agreement committed both sides to an intense process to complete substantive negotiations as quickly as possible.

 "All parties recognise the urgency and are committed to find a solution. Nobody has said I will not attend the talks because you will not offer me a cup of coffee," he said.

A restrained Mugabe said the agreement was to map a way for political interaction.

“The signatures we have appended should show sincerity on all political parties,” Mugabe said.

President Mugabe added that the talks should be held without any external interference, referring to Britain and America he has on a number of occasions vilified for meddling in Zimbabwe’s political affairs through the opposition.

“We must act if we haven’t done so before now as Zimbabweans. We must think, act and do as Zimbabweans. If we do that there will be no need for us to suffer under sanctions. There will be no need to call the European Union to punish us. There will be no need for any EU hand. We do not want it,” he said.

Mugabe has frequently called Tsvangirai a puppet of former colonial ruler Britain.

Tsvangirai called the ceremony "a historic occasion" and stressed that a solution must be found.

"If we put our heads together, I am sure we can find a solution. In fact, not finding a solution is not an option," he said.

Leader of the MDC breakaway Arthur Mutambara said: “The issues at hand are not about Mutambara and his small political party, about Tsvangirai and his party, Mugabe and his party, it is about Zimbabwe. We must put national interest before self interest of petty personal power ambitions. We must start having a cross party national agenda.”

The talks are expected to last for two weeks in which the government and two factions of the opposition MDC are to discuss key issues including a unity government and possibilities of penning a new constitution.

Some of the issues on the agenda of the talks are the objectives and priorities of a new government, restoration of economic stability and growth, sanctions, the land question, a new constitution and the security of persons and prevention of violence.

On communication, the negotiating parties have agreed to look at the media possibly repeal some draconian laws such as the Access to Information and Privacy Act (AIPPA), Public Order and Security Act (POSA).

The two acts have been largely used by the state to violate the right to freedom of expression and association.