Zimbabwe talks adjourn to give Tsvangirai time to consider

HARARE (AFP) - South African President Thabo Mbeki left Harare for Angola on Wednesday after talks on Zimbabwe’s political crisis broke up to allow the main Opposition leader “time to consider”.

His departure followed claims by a ruling ZANU-PF party official that Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe had reached a deal with a smaller Opposition faction, excluding main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

After mediating three days of talks between the rivals in the Zimbabwean capital, Mbeki said he knew of no deal being signed, adding that he remained confident all three sides could find an agreement.

“We have dealt with all the elements on which President Mugabe and Mutambara agree, but there is disagreement on one element over which Morgan Tsvangirai had asked for time to reflect,” Mbeki said.

“We have adjourned to give Morgan Tsvangirai more time to consider these matters.

“I’m quite confident they will resolve all their outstanding matters which would result in this inclusive government, and in the second instance then acting together,” Mbeki told reporters.