SW Radio Africa (London)
31 October 2007
By Tichaona Sibanda
The SADC led mediation talks on Zimbabwe resumed in Pretoria on Wednesday after a month long break. The talks, which are already behind schedule on several fronts, missed Tuesday’s key deadline for agreement on a broad framework for free and fair elections.
A source told us from Pretoria that during the month long break negotiators from Zanu-PF and the MDC have been comparing notes and reporting back to the facilitating team in South Africa.
‘A lot of ground was covered during this period because the negotiating teams made contact on a number of times and a number of concessions were made during this period,’ said the source.
David Coltart, MDC MP for Bulawayo South, said it was unfortunate that Zimbabweans were not being informed about the progress of the talks, but stressed that whatever the outcome, a transitional period of six months was needed to push through any changes agreed on by both sides.
‘If the mediation process were to be concluded today (Wednesday) we will not have sufficient time to establish conditions for free and fair elections. We need at least six months to put everything in place before calling for an election,’ Coltart said.
The MP from the Mutambara led faction said they understood the reasons for not meeting Tuesday’s deadline, because of the weighty issues under discussion.
The talks that resumed Wednesday are expected tackle the remaining issues on the agenda that include the roles of the police, military and the CIO during the elections.