Zimbabwe Rivals Hold Preliminary Talks in South Africa

Zimbabwe’s government and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Thursday began talks aimed at resolving the country’s political crisis in Pretoria, South Africa. According to MDC spokesman Nqobizitha Mlilo, the opposition demanded an immediate halt to violence, mediation by an African Union envoy, the release of over 1,500 political prisoners, and the swearing in of legislators - as preconditions for substantive talks with the government. MDC Secretary General Tendai Biti, who is out on bail pending trial on treason charges, led the opposition delegation to the talks, while cabinet ministers Patrick Chinamasa and Nicholas Goche fronted the government side. [P.E]