26 November 2009
Harare — A HIGH powered South African delegation is expected in Harare on Sunday to speed up talks among partners in the shaky inclusive government, as it emerged yesterday that the negotiators of the global political agreement (GPA) have agreed on a 20-item agenda to resolve outstanding issues of the pact.

The three-member facilitation team was appointed on Wednesday by South African President Jacob Zuma and will be led by his long-time ally, Mac Maharaj. Other members would be Zuma's international relations advisor Lindiwe Zulu and former Safety and Security minister Charles Nqakula.

Zuma -- who replaced ex-South African President Thabo Mbeki as the facilitator of the Zimbabwe negotiations -- is piling pressure for the resolution of sticking points and full consummation of the GPA within the agreed timelines.

Zulu last night told the Zimbabwe Independent that the facilitation team would be coming to Harare anytime soon.

"We are coming to Harare, but I cannot confirm the dates at the moment. It depends on the setting up of meetings with parties and their negotiators," Zulu said. "As soon as we have done that, we will be on our way to Zimbabwe. It can be tomorrow (Friday), Saturday or Sunday."

But sources close to the negotiations insisted the facilitation team would arrive in Harare this weekend in renewed efforts to nudge President Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and his deputy Arthur Mutambara -- the principals of the GPA -- to resolve the outstanding issues and fully consummate the pact signed in September last year.

The South African presidency said it was determined to see the resolution of the outstanding issues within the 30 days as outlined by the Sadc organ on politics, defence and security on November 5 in Maputo.

Talks between the parties' negotiators only started on Monday -- three days after the first 15 days lapsed. They were adjourned to Saturday.

Sources close to the talks said the negotiators have agreed on a 20-item agenda, which includes sticking points outlined by the Sadc troika in Mozambique.

The sources said the agenda was almost a review of the GPA as the negotiators would deliberate on issues captured by the pact such as the restoration of economic stability and growth; sanctions and related measures; the land question; constitution; national healing; external interference; free political activity; rule of law, freedom of assembly; and state organs and institutions.

Talks would also centre on the national youth training programme; humanitarian assistance; legislative agenda; freedom of expression and communication, electoral vacancies; GPA implementation mechanism; and periodic review mechanism.

Above all, the negotiators would deal with the outstanding issues outlined by the Sadc troika, which included the re-appointment of central bank governor Gideon Gono, the appointment of Attorney-General Johannes Tomana and provincial governors, among others.

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