Woza Criticises Talks Without Consultation

Posted to the web 23 July 2008 Tererai Karimakwenda Since Monday when ZANU-PF and the 2 MDC formations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) defining conditions for talks, there have been several conflicting reports regarding the start date of the negotiations. The lack of such basic information has characterised the entire process, fueled by South African President Thabo Mbeki's insistence on 'quiet diplomacy.' Some reports say the talks started on Tuesday, while others claim they would start on Wednesday. The state controlled Herald newspaper on Wednesday quoted Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa as saying that the talks were to begin on Thursday. But another report quoted South Africa's presidential spokesman, Mukoni Ratshitanga, as saying the talks are 'in progress,' at a secret location. The MOU defined a two-week... [read full story]