The ruling party Zanu-PF and two formations of the MDC finally signed the (MoU) to kick start the negotiating talks that are expected to last two weeks. The three—Arthur Mutambara of the smaller faction of the MDC, Morgan Tsvangirai of the larger formation and Robert Mugabe were also embroiled in a handshake after the signing.

This becomes the first handshake between Mugabe and Tsvangirai since the formation of the MDC in August 1999.

The endorsement of the MoU is meant to set conditions for talks on a transitional government incorporating the aforesaid political parties in the country while the country prepares for a new election in the near future.

Zanu PF leader Robert Mugabe though he signed the MoU, he appeared an affected man as compared to the jovial Tsvangirai who was smiling after adding another intriguing chapter in the history of Zimbabwe.

SADC mediator and South African President’s breakthrough was finally witnessed following the addition of United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Haile Menkerios, African Union Chairperson Jean Ping and Marie Okabe last week.

Speaking at the signing ceremony Zanu PF leader and Zimbabwean president, Robert Mugabe who won the one-man-presidential election run off boycotted by Morgan Tsvangirai because of intense political violence against his members said as leaders they should chart the way forward and end the massive suffering that have been bedeviling the country.

“We must act now … as Zimbabweans, think as Zimbabweans and act as Zimbabweans,” said Mugabe. “We shall be doing this as Zimbabweans,” he said, “Entirely as Zimbabweans with the help of South Africa. “And that we cut off what ever were influences on us from Europe or United States. We must act, if we haven’t done so before, now as Zimbabweans.

However, his opposition counterpart and first round winner Morgan Tsvangirai said time was ripe to get Zimbabwean working again. “My commitment to this process is not questionable, is not superficial, it is total,” he said.

The smaller faction leader, Arthur Mutambara whose involvement has been widely questionnable said the whole process is aimed at solving the political, economic and social situation in the country.

“These issues are not about Mutambara and his small political party; they are not about Tsvangirai and his party, Mugabe and his party.

“It’s about Zimbabwe. We must put national interest before self interest, national interest before petty personal power ambitions.

Meanwhile the pact restricts all the parties involved in the negotiating process to refrain from using abusive language that may “incite hostility, political intolerance and ethnic hatred or undermine each other”.

President Mugabe however invited MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai to launch at Rainbow Towers formerly Sheraton Hotel were the held a closed and long discussion pertaining the Zimbabwean crisis. The discussion continued further after their lunch.

President Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai have become nemesis over the years and Tsvangirai has been brutally assaulted by state agents on numerous occasions. Their relationship was strained further after the March 29 harmonized elections when Tsvangirai won both the parliamentary and presidential election though without absolute majority.