Zimbabwe Talks Gridlocked Despite Regional Pressure

Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) remain deadlocked over power sharing, despite a spirited push Sunday for a speedy political resolution by Southern African leaders attending a summit in South Africa. Sources say the main contention surrounds the division of executive power between President Robert Mugabe and Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who is earmarked for the position of Prime Minister in a unity government. There is also disagreement concerning the duration of time the transitional government should last, with the MDC insisting on the holding of elections within 90 days should either party withdraw from the coalition. [PE]