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AU welcomes
signing of MoU between Zimbabwe parties
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 ADDIS
ABEBA(July 23,2008) -The
African Union ( AU) Commission on Tuesday welcomed the signing, by
the Zimbabwean parties, in Harare, on 21 July 2008, of a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) outlining the agenda for the talks and ground
rules for the negotiation aimed at resolving the current political
crisis in the country.
"Today's event marks a significant step in the efforts aimed
at overcoming the crisis facing Zimbabwe and promoting national reconciliation
in the country," AU Commission Chair Person Jean Ping said in
a statement.
The Chairperson congratulated the Zimbabwean parties and urged them
to build on
The positive development and move forward towards a lasting and consensual
solution.
Jean Ping also congratulated President Thabo Mbeki, the SADC Facilitator,
for his tireless efforts and commitment to a negotiated settlement
of the crisis in Zimbabwe.
"The AU, which is a member of the Reference Group established
by the Facilitator, will spare no efforts in support of the ongoing
process," the Chairperson added.
The signing ceremony, which MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai described
as "historic", was the first time he had met Mugabe in a
decade.
The talks, to be held in South Africa, are expected to focus on a
possible power-sharing agreement, how to revive Zimbabwe's devastated
economy, as well as ending the political violence.
Mugabe and Tsvangirai have been locked in a bitter dispute over this
year's presidential election.
Following Monday's deal, one resident in the capital, Harare, said
Zimbabweans were "looking forward to peace and development".
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