The memorandum of understanding signed by
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai
Monday sets out the ground rules and agenda for talks between their two parties
on a powersharing government, dpa reported.
According to the ground rules:
- No parliament or cabinet shall be convened during the period of dialogue
(Zimbabwe's parliament was dissolved six months ago ahead of parliamentary
elections in March that Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change won.
Parliament has not yet sat since the election).
- The parties must condemn political violence. (The MDC says Mugabe-allied
militia have killed over 110 of its supporters since end of March)
- Humanitarian work to assist those displaced by violence must begin (the MDC
says tens of thousands of people have been displaced by militia attacks, mostly
from rural areas).
- The parties are to refrain from abusive language that incites violence or
hostility.
As part of their talks on a unity government the two parties will discuss a
raft of economic and political issues, including:
- MDC demands for a new constitution
- Reform of state organs and institutions
- External inference in Zimbabwe's affairs
- Land reform
- Western sanctions against Mugabe and other senior officials
- Restoring economic stability and growth
- Preventing violence
...