afrol News, 17 July - The leader of Zimbabwe's main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has been accused of pulling out of a crisis deal.

Quoting government sources, the state-owned 'Herald' newspaper said the ruling Zanu-PF and the opposition on Wednesday reached an agreement that would have given chance to the two sides to set out the agenda for the talks, which includes the cessation of violence, a key demand of the opposition.

But the MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai had reportedly refused to sign the agreement after a discussion with the African Union Commission Chairman, Jean Ping, setbacking efforts to nail the Southern African country's political crisis.

"It was agreed that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was to be signed in Harare on Wednesday by the three principals and that commitment was conveyed to the facilitator," 'Herald' quoted a government official.

"On Wednesday morning, Tsvangirai indicated that he was not going to attend because he had received instructions from Jean Ping not to sign the MoU."

Mr. Tsvangirai has confirmed his failure to append sign the agreement, claiming to be waiting for Mr Ping to hold talks with President Thabo Mbeki in Pretoria on Friday.

He rubbished claims of refusing to sign the agreement, but stressed that "the process need to be tightened."

Tsvangirai won the first round polls, but withdrew from the re-run, allowing Mr. Mugabe to become a sole candidate. The first round winner attributed his withdrawal to the campaign of intimidation, harassment and killing by the ruling party thugs and state security agents.

The opposition leader accused President Mbeki of being bias in favour of Mr Mugabe, and lobbied for the involvement of the African Union in the crisis talks.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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