July 30, 2008	Wednesday	Rajab 26, 1429

JOHANNESBURG, July 29: Negotiations in South Africa aimed at ending the political crisis in neighbouring Zimbabwe are deadlocked, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s spokesman said on Tuesday.

“The talks are in a deadlock,” said George Sibotshiwe, chief spokesman for the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader.

“We cannot discuss the main issues, we can only say that they are in a deadlock and that the parties will consult with their principals,” he said.

“If the sticking points are resolved then the talks will resume,” he said.

Tsvangirai flew in to Johannesburg on Monday amid claims by his party that the talks between the opposition and representatives of President Robert Mugabe’s ruling regime had run into trouble.

His arrival in South Africa came a week after he signed a deal with Mugabe to begin talks on sharing power after a months-long election dispute.

The talks, which are being held at a secret location in the Pretoria area, are meant to be wrapped up within a fortnight of the signing of the initial framework agreement.

However the South African government has already indicated the target could be extended.

MDC sources had said on Monday that the talks had run into trouble over what post would be offered to Tsvangirai in any power-sharing agreement.

While Tsvangirai believes his victory in the first round of a presidential election in March should give him the right to the lion’s share of power, the MDC sources said Mugabe’s negotiators were so far only offering him the chance to become a vice president.—AFP