AFRICA/ZIMBABWE - Talks scheduled between the government and the opposition in the statement signed yesterday by Mugabe and the opposition leader

Harare (Agenzia Fides) – Today, July 22, negotiation talks begin in South Africa, between Zimbabwe’s government and the opposition party. The talks are a direct result of the preliminary agreement signed yesterday in Zimbabwe between President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai in the presence of international mediators and South African President Thabo Mbeki (see Fides 21/7/2008).
The two political leaders agreed to give themselves two-weeks’ time in reaching a final accord that will allow the country to emerge from the serious political and economic crisis that it has been living in for many years now.
The text of the preliminary accord calls for talks between the two parties regarding, among other topics, the reform of the Constitution, the promotion of equality and cohesion for all Zimbabweans, the restoration of the national economy, the agricultural issue, personal security, and respect for the law.
The talks could lead to the establishment of a government of national unity, but the stumbling block continues to be Mugabe. Will his controversial reelection be accepted by the opposition? Will the Kenyan formula be repeated, with Mugabe as President and his challenging opponent (who declared the reelection illegal) as Prime Minister?
Behind Mugabe are the interests of a powerful group, mostly led by members of the military and leaders of the various security departments, who will not be easily convinced in permitting the acquired positions. For this reason, in spite of yesterday’s agreement that was sealed with a handshake between Mugabe and Tsvangirai, pressures from the international community continue against the Zimbabwe regime. The countries of the European Union decided today that they would tighten their sanctions against the country, adding 37 of the regime’s sympathizers to the blacklist of those persons banned from entering the Union. Among those affected are the security forces, as well as businessmen who are close collaborators of Mugabe. The assets have been frozen for all those who are in European territories. In addition, the European Union has also added to its blacklist four societies who are considered fundamental in the economic survival of the regime. Based on previous sanctions, 131 people (starting with Mugabe), have already been prohibited from entering EU territory. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 22/7/2008)