FACTBOX: What prospects for Zimbabwe crisis talks?

Wed Jul 2, 2008 3:57pm BST
 
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(Reuters) - Below are answers to some questions on what is likely to happen after Zimbabwe's opposition spurned a call by African leaders to begin negotiating a unity government with President Robert Mugabe.

Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said on Wednesday conditions were not currently right for talks, citing the violence that prompted him to boycott the June 27 presidential run-off election, which was won by Mugabe.

WILL THERE BE TALKS?

Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change have said they are open to negotiations to end the political crisis, but each has set conditions that are seen as unacceptable to the other side.

Tsvangirai has demanded that the results of the March 29 elections, which he and his MDC won, form the basis of any talks with the government and that the African Union name a permanent envoy to help mediate the process.

Mugabe's officials have said they are willing to talk to all political parties in Zimbabwe, but are likely to insist that Mugabe election victory be respected.

Despite all that, there is very strong pressure from African countries for talks and there appear few options other than eventually bringing the two sides together.

WHAT WOULD COME FROM NEGOTIATIONS?

The question of who leads a unity government would be at the heart of any talks. Both sides sharply disagree on this point.  Continued...

 

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