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  • Framework deal for Zimbabwe Government

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Framework deal for Zimbabwe Government

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai have signed a deal laying down the framework for formal talks on forming a power-sharing government to end the deep political crisis.It was the first meeting between the two rivals, who are said to detest each other, in ten years.They sat at a conference table separated by South African President Thabo Mbeki, who mediated the deal.The preliminary agreement was signed in Harare's Rainbow Towers Hotel after weeks of deadlock since Mugabe was re-elected on June 27 in a widely condemned poll boycotted by Tsvangirai because of violence against his supporters.Mbeki said the agreement committed both sides to an intense process to try to complete substantive negotiations as quickly as possible. "All parties recognise the urgency," he said.Officials from both sides said the framework agreement sets a two-week deadline for the government and two factions of the opposition MDC to discuss key issues including a unity government and how to hold new elections.

ITN | July 21, 2008Watch more videos from ITN

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