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Zimbabwe: Mugabe-Tsvangirai talks postponed

  • Story Highlights
  • ZANU-PF, Movement for Democratic Change issued a joint statement
  • It said both parties bore responsibility for the politically motivated violence
  • The statement called on supporters to "stop and desist" from further violence
  • Negotiations over power-sharing arrangement have been deadlocked
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From CNN's Nkepile Mabuse
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JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CNN) -- Power-sharing talks between Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai have been postponed until Sunday, a Tsvangirai spokesman said.

Robert Mugabe (left) and Morgan Tsvangirai met last month for the first round of talks.

Robert Mugabe (left) and Morgan Tsvangirai met last month for the first round of talks.

The talks had been scheduled to take place in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, on Thursday. It is expected to be the first face-to-face meeting between the two bitter political rivals since the talks between their representatives began two weeks ago.

Mugabe's ZANU-PF party and Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change issued a joint statement Thursday acknowledging that both bore responsibility for the politically motivated violence that engulfed the country after the disputed March presidential elections.

The statement called on their supporters to "stop and desist" from carrying out further violence.

"We further reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the law is applied fairly and justly to all persons irrespective of political affiliation, to take all necessary measures within our power to eliminate all forms of political violence, including by non-state actors, and to ensure the security of persons and property and provide support to victims of violence," the statement said.

Zimbabwe saw unprecedented violence between the March 29 election and the June 27 presidential runoff. The MDC claimed ZANU-PF killed about 100 of its supporters.

In the statement, the two parties reaffirmed their commitment to the talks, which are being mediated by South African President Thabo Mbeki. The sides are discussing a government of national unity that is expected to end the political crisis.

"The parties express their readiness to work individually and together in the ongoing dialogue to make public undertakings in ensuring the safety of any displaced persons and their safe return home, and to enable humanitarian and social welfare organisations to render such assistance as might be required," the statement said.

CNN could not immediately confirm that the statement, which the MDC provided, had been signed; ZANU-PF spokesman Nathan Shamuyarira said only that he was aware of it.

Meanwhile, the MDC claimed ZANU-PF supporters in Filabusi, in the southern province of Matebeleland South, attacked its supporters Wednesday. It said a 28-year-old suffered deep cuts to the head and a fractured leg, and a 70-year-old had injuries to his arm.

Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena said he was yet to receive the report.

Sources said the MDC started the violence and their supporters were overpowered.

CNN's Nkepile Mabuse contributed to this report.

All About ZimbabweRobert MugabeMorgan TsvangiraiThabo Mbeki

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