afrol News, 21 July - Bitter Zimbabwean political archrivals, president Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of opposition Movement for Democratic Change have finally penned their signatures and shook hands for the first time in over a decade, signaling what political observers called a huge and bold step in Zimbabwe's peace hopes.

Today's signing in Harare, also ended weeks of speculation that two warring parties could ever reach a compromise settlement to commencing talks that could see Zimbabwe push for a power-sharing government of national healing.

After the signing witnessed by chief negotiator, SA president Thabo Mbeki together with UN and AU backup negotiators, Mr Mugabe was quoted as saying this would chart a new way for political interaction.

Mr Tsvangirai on the other hand said the signing was the first step towards searching for a solution in the country's political crisis, further acknowledging talks would begin with no party above another.

The signing also brought in a small breakaway faction of the MDC on board to also committing to the talks.

The agreement "commits negotiating parties to an intense program of work to try and finalise negotiations as quickly as possible," Mr Mbeki said, without giving details, however saying all parties recognised urgency of the talks. Reports have said the agreement commits negotiators to begin talks within two weeks.

Political chaos has engulfed Zimbabwe since 29 March presidential elections, won by Mr Tsvangirai, but not with a convincing margin to claim presidency according Zimbabwean electioneering officials.

Before today's signing both parties had set out preconditions with Mr Mugabe insisting on being recognised as president while MDC leader wanted guarantees that political violence would end and his jailed supporters be freed.

Mr Tsvangirai had also earlier insisted that negotiations be based on March 29 election results and not recognise Mr Mugabe's legitimacy claim as president from the 27 June one sided vote.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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