Zimbabwe Rivals Agree to Enter Formal Talks

Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-pf and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) have agreed to begin substantive negotiations towards the formation of a unity government. South African newspapers reported Wednesday that Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is likely to sign a memorandum of engagement with Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai and Prof. Arthur Mutambara – the leader of a splinter faction of the MDC – later today in Harare. South African President Mbeki is expected to attend the ceremony, although it is not clear whether the MDC’s demand for the appointment of an African Union mediator has been granted. [PE]