DATE=04/10/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ZIMBABWE/ POLITICS (L)

NUMBER=2-288538

BYLINE=PETA THORNYCROFT

DATELINE=HARARE

CONTENT=

VOICE AT:

INTRO: Talks between Zimbabwe's Ruling Zanu P-F and opposition Movement for Democratic Change, or M-D-C, have resulted in an agenda for further negotiations. Peta Thornycroft has more from Harare.

TEXT: The talks -- which were mediated by officials from Nigeria and South Africa -- follow Zimbabwe's suspension from the Commonwealth after last

month's elections, which gave President Robert Mugabe another six years in power.

The Commonwealth suspended Zimbabwe for a year, saying the elections

were neither free nor fair.

Nigerian diplomat Adebayo Adedeji and Kgaleme Mothlante, secretary general

of South Africa's ruling African National Congress, surprised observers when

they emerged, agreeing that talks would resume between the two parties

on May 13.

The agenda for further negotiations includes the legitimacy of Mr. Mugabe's

presidential victory, and land reform, as agreed at a Commonwealth foreign

ministers' meeting last September in Abuja, Nigeria, which were endorsed by

Mr. Mugabe.

The Commonwealth says that none of the points made in the Abuja agreement were implemented by the Zimbabwe government.

Observers say the agenda for negotiations next month include the main planks

of the M-D-C's argument for a re-run of presidential elections under

international mediation.

One observer said he regretted the month's delay before the next talks as

this gave Zanu P-F leeway for further violence against the M-D-C.

At the talks, Mr. Mugabe's team ensured Zimbabwe's sovereignty was on

the agenda, which it says rules out foreign involvement in domestic affairs,

including elections.

After the talks, Zanu P-F team leader, justice minister Patrick Chinamasa said the two sides held differing views on all the issues on the agenda.

M-D-C Secretary-General Welshman Ncube accepts at face value the agenda,

which could help ensure international recognition of the Zimbabwean government.

Once this is achieved, the currently bankrupt Zimbabwe would then be in a position to raise foreign currency to buy massive amounts of the country's staple food, maize.

Zimbabwe's political crisis is seen as the first test for South Africa's calls for an African "Marshall Plan," where Western countries direct trade and investment to the impoverished continent in exchange for African promises of good governance. (Signed)

NEB/PT/SAB