>have reached a decisive stage in the negotiation process, where an
agreement
was also reportedly reached to substantively amend or repeal
restrictive
laws like POSA and AIPPA.
Reliable sources told Newsreel on Thursday that the latest talks, which
began in Pretoria on Wednesday, focused mainly on a new constitution,
POSA,
AIPPA, the media laws and the general political environment in
Zimbabwe. The
role of the police, the CIO and the army is expected to be the next
important item on the agenda before the finalisation of the talks,
probably
in two weeks’ time.
The seriousness of the talks has been gauged by the presence of MDC
President Morgan Tsvangirai, who is leading an expanded team comprising
almost his entire cabinet, known as the standing committee. One source
said
the decision by the MDC to participate in next year’s elections hinges
on
the success of these talks.
While Zanu-PF has all but agreed to some of the demands brought up by
the
MDC, the ruling party has however refused to let almost five million
Zimbabweans living in the diaspora vote in next year’s elections.
‘I’m informed that a lot has been covered during these current talks
and a
lot more is expected to be covered before the end of October. But the
major
issue so far from the talks has been the refusal by Zanu-PF to let
people
living in exile participate in next year’s polls,’ said one source.
South African President Thabo Mbeki is expecting the negotiating
parties to
conclude the talks before the end of October as he is expected to
present to
SADC a comprehensive report on the outcome of the negotiations.
Political commentator Oliver Mudyarabikwa said it might be easy for
Zanu-PF
to tell the world it will repeal the restrictive laws, but might find
it
difficult to honor the pledge because they always thrive on violence
and
intimidation. – SW RAdio Africa
Post published in: News