Zimbabwe's ZANU-PF, MDC call for end to violence

By MacDonald Dzirutwe

HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF and the opposition MDC on Wednesday called on their supporters to end political violence in the country, the most tangible sign of progress since power-sharing talks began two weeks ago.

ZANU-PF and the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) began power-sharing talks last month following President Robert Mugabe's re-election in a widely condemned June poll boycotted by the opposition.

In a joint statement, they urged "all our supporters and members and any organs and structures under the direction and control of our respective parties to stop and desist the perpetration of violence in any form".

The appeal to stop political bloodshed came as a South African newspaper reported that a draft agreement was being circulated aimed at ending Zimbabwe's political stalemate, which sparked much of the violence.

Nic Borain, a South Africa-based political consultant at HSBC Securities, interpreted the joint statement as a sign that both sides understand they need a practical end to the crisis.

"I think we've got to accept that both parties at this stage would realistically be looking for solutions," he told Reuters.

"One way or another, ZANU-PF is in the process of committing itself to a process. It's busy committing itself to a process that will bind it to a legal, non-violent solution. In that sense, it should be significant."

Under the draft settlement reported in the newspaper, Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai would run the country while Mugabe would become ceremonial president.

PRESSURE

The two sides are under heavy international pressure, including from within Africa, to resolve a crisis that has ruined the once prosperous economy and flooded neighboring states with millions of refugees.

"The parties express their readiness to work individually and together in the ongoing dialogue to make public undertakings in ensuring the safety of any displaced persons and their safe return home," the joint statement said.

It also vowed to enable humanitarian and social welfare organizations to assist Zimbabweans, who are suffering from an economic meltdown.

The Star said the draft settlement would be the basis for talks between Mugabe and Tsvangirai in Harare on Thursday.

Zimbabwean government and MDC officials were not immediately available for comment on the newspaper report.

The draft document circulated among negotiators in Zimbabwe's power-sharing talks in South Africa also proposed an amnesty for Mugabe and others implicated in political crimes, said The Star.