allAfrica.com: Zimbabwe: Joy Over Country's Peace Talks (Page 1 of 1)

Few Zimbabweans ever imagined the prospect of President Robert Mugabe sitting in the same room with his political archrival, Morgan Tsvangirai of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), let alone shaking hands.

But after almost six years of mediation led by South African President Thabo Mbeki, the two embraced and even had lunch together behind closed doors on Monday after they agreed on a framework for talks to end the long drawn-out political crisis.

Mr Mugabe, in power since the country's independence from Britain 28 years ago, has repeatedly sworn that Mr Tsvangirai, whom he claims is a puppet of the West, will never rule Zimbabwe in his lifetime.

Meanwhile, the opposition has categorically stated that the veteran leader can no longer play any part in the country's future because of his role in the destruction of the economy and killing his own people.

The political and economic crisis that has brought the former Southern African giant to its knees certainly played a big part in the spectacular climb-down by both parties.

Mr Tsvangirai said it was his first on-on -one meeting with Mr Mugabe since 1998, a year before he founded the MDC.

"This is a very historic occasion," he said. "I think the last time I had a tête-à-tête with Comrade Mugabe was in 1998."

The pact the two signed together with Prof Arthur Mutambara of the smaller MDC faction gives the political parties just two weeks to resolve the political impasse in the country.

Analysts say long-suffering Zimbabweans expect a solution in a matter of days because the deteriorating situation on the ground will force the parties to take very hard decisions.

The country has been operating in a political vacuum since the March elections, when the ruling Zanu PF lost its parliamentary majority to the MDC for the first time since independence.

A new cabinet has not been appointed and parliament is not sitting, causing a lot of anxiety among Zimbabweans.

Mainly teachers

Civil servants, mainly teachers and nurses, have simply stopped reporting to work, saying their salaries are not even enough for a day's transport.

"I think the process will be short, sharp and precise," said Prof Eldred Masunungure, referring to the full-scale talks.

"The economy is the major pressure point for Zanu PF, but having been rescued from the United Nations Security Council, the veto weakened Zanu PF.

"It is now indebted to those who vetoed the resolution. "Zimbabwe has to repay the debt because the US and UK will say to Russia, 'See how your client is behaving', and that they have been vindicated."

China and Russia blocked US and UK proposed sanctions against President Mugabe and his inner circle, saying they wanted to give dialogue a chance.

President Mbeki was also opposed to the sanctions because he believed that they would further stoke tensions in a country where a 10-year economic recession has led to millions of people fleeing to neighbouring countries and massive starvation.

Mr Andrew Sikhosana, a political analyst, said most Zimbabweans expected an agreement that would halt the economic meltdown.

"The economic situation in our country, which is characterised by inflation of over two million per cent, shortages of almost everything and 80 per cent unemployment, is untenable," he said.

"The time frame for the talks is two weeks and I believe it is reasonable under the circumstances because time is not on our side."

But not all Zimbabweans have endorsed the process.

"We are disappointed that the dialogue is selective," said Paul Siwela, the leader of the Federal Democratic Union (FDU). "This selective political process will not solve the political imbroglio in this country."

The civic groups say their members have borne the brunt of political turmoil and their input is crucial to rescue the country.

Last week they resolved not to support a government of national unity that would bring Mr Mugabe and Mr Tsvangirai together. Instead, they want a transitional authority that would prepare for fresh elections within the shortest possible time.

Prof Masunungure told Reuters that such a scenario was unlikely. "The actual negotiations are going to be a lot tougher and the MDC's aim of easing Mugabe out of power or sharing executive power in a transitional government ahead of another election is going to be more difficult," he said.

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