Zimbabwe: Rivals issue joint call to end violence

As talks between Zimbabwe's rival political parties, ZANU-PF and the MDC, over a possible post election settlement continue, the two parties have issued a joint statement calling for an end to violence by their supporters. Violence characterised Zimbabwe's election and post election period. The statement is a positive development that should help the country return to some level of normalcy as the rival parties work towards a deal. ZANU-PF and MDC officials have been hold-up at a secret location in South Africa for two and a half weeks trying to thrash out a settlement to their country's crisis in historic talks that saw their leaders Mr. Mugabe and Mr. Tsvangirai meet for the first time in a decade. This joint statement may also provide a sign that a spirit of cooperation is alive among the rivals which should augur well for the whole process.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7545683.stm