Mugabe, Tsvangirai sign Zimbabwe framework deal

By Cris Chinaka

HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai on Monday signed a deal laying down the framework for formal talks on forming a power sharing government to end a deep political crisis.

It was the first meeting in 10 years between the two rival leaders, widely believed to detest each other. They sat at a conference table separated by South African President Thabo Mbeki who mediated the deal.

Mugabe and Tsvangirai have traded insults over the past decade, but shook hands and the end of the ceremony, with the opposition leader referring to Mugabe as "comrade".

The preliminary agreement was signed in Harare's Rainbow Towers Hotel after weeks of deadlock since Mugabe was re-elected on June 27 in a widely condemned poll boycotted by Tsvangirai because of violence against his supporters.

Mbeki said the agreement committed both sides to an intense process to try to complete substantive negotiations as quickly as possible. "All parties recognize the urgency," he said.

A subdued Mugabe said after the signing that the agreement was "to chart a new way of political interaction."

Tsvangirai called the ceremony "a very historic occasion" and stressed that a solution must be found.

"If we put our heads together, I am sure we can find a solution. In fact, not finding a solution is not an option," he said.

Officials said the framework agreement sets a two-week deadline for the government and two factions of the opposition MDC to discuss key issues including a unity government and how to hold new elections.

"It is envisaged that the dialogue will be completed within a period of two weeks from the date of signing of this MOU," says the memorandum, a copy of which was sent to the media.

The agreement bars all sides from taking "any decisions or measures that have a bearing on the agenda of the dialogue, save by consensus."

"Such decisions or measures include, but are not limited to, the convening of parliament or the formation of a new government," it says.

A government of national unity has been promoted as a solution to the crisis by the African Union and the Southern African Development Community, both deeply concerned by a crisis that has flooded neighboring states with millions of refugees.

Tsvangirai's MDC (Movement for Democratic Change) and Mugabe's ZANU-PF are also committed under the agreement to ease political tension within the two-week deadline.

WIDE DIFFERENCES REMAIN