Tsvangirai Says He Hopes Talks Will Give Mugabe "Honorable Exit"

Zimbabwe’s opposition leader says he hopes ongoing talks to resolve the country’s political crisis will give long serving President Robert Mugabe an “honourable exit.” Speaking for the first time since talks towards the formation of a unity government began last week in South Africa, Tsvangirai said he prefers the formation of an interim administration to run the country for not more than two years. Meanwhile, the opposition MDC has insisted that only Tsvangirai should lead the unity government, having won the March first round presidential vote before pulling out of a subsequent runoff to protest violence against his supporters. Mugabe’s ruling party has however said it will only accept a deal that recognizes Mugabe's legitimacy. [PE]