No Talks without AU Mediator, Tsvangirai Insists

Zimbabwean Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has refused to sign a memorandum of engagement into enter negotiations with President Robert Mugabe, insisting on mediation by the African Union (AU). Sources say Mugabe’s ruling ZANU-pf, Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and its splinter faction led by Arthur Mutambara had been expected to sign the agreement yesterday. Tsvangirai declined to sign the agreement, demanding the appointment of an AU mediator since his party was unsatisfied with the mediation effort of South African President Thabo Mbeki, who is considered sympathetic to Mugabe. The memorandum would have marked the beginning of formal talks towards a unity government between the rival sides. [PE]