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(HERALD) Zanu-PF, MDC talks under way in South Africa

Zanu-PF, MDC talks under way in South Africa
Herald Reporter

Negotiators from Zanu-PF and the two MDC formations were meeting in Pretoria, South Africa, yesterday as the political parties continue the dialogue which Sadc and the African Union have recommended they undertake to resolve Zimbabwe’s problems. MDC secretary-general Welshman Ncube and his deputy Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga flew to Pretoria on Tuesday while MDC-T representatives — national chairman Lovemore Moyo and secretary-general Tendai Biti — flew out yesterday morning.

Zanu-PF is being represented by Cde Patrick Chinamasa, who is also the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, and Cde Nicholas Goche, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.

MDC spokesman Edwin Mushoriwa confirmed yesterday that the party’s delegation was in South Africa.

"They left on Tuesday and as we speak they are now in Pretoria. We are still to get the finer details of what has so far transpired," said Musho-riwa.

AFP quoted a source it said was close to the negotiations confirming that the talks were already underway. MDC-T spokesman Nelson Chamisa, however, preferred to call the Pretoria talks preparatory.

"Dialogue has not yet started except that there have been consultations on the parameters, modus operandi and mechanisms of the dialogue. We hope that dialogue is going to start after the African Union and Sadc have put clear trajectory in resolving the national challenges," said Chamisa.

"The consultations would be held in and outside Zimbabwe and whatever contacts currently taking place are within the view of laying these parameters," he said.

The resumption of the talks yesterday followed the relaxation of Biti’s bail conditions by the High Court to allow him to attend the South African-facilitated talks.

Biti is facing charges of treason, publishing falsehoods and causing disaffection among the defence forces.

His application for relaxation of bail was premised on the need for the politician to attend the talks, which were initially scheduled to start on Wednesday.

The talks are going ahead at a time when Britain and the United States are pressing on with their intentions to have the United Nations slap Zimbabwe with more sanctions despite the objections of African leaders who are backing the dialogue route.

Labels: MDC, PATRICK CHINAMASA, ZANU-PF

posted by MrK @ 5:43 PM