Mozambican gov't says no foreign mediators in talks with opposition

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Mozambican gov't says no foreign mediators in talks with opposition

(Xinhua) 09:51, September 03, 2013

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MAPUTO, Sept. 2 -- The Mozambican government on Monday refused to invite foreign mediators in its deadlocked negotiation with the main opposition to defuse the country's rising political tension that led to sporadic outbreaks of violence in recent months.

Agriculture Minister Jose Pacheco, chief government negotiator, said Mozambicans are able to manage the talks without foreign assistance and that the idea of foreign mediators "does not make sense."

The opposition Renamo party earlier said it is mulling to invite foreign mediators as the negotiation with the Frelimo party- led government yields no positive results as it enters the 19th round.

Each side accuses the other of not being serious in the talks.

Among others, Renamo wants the current electoral law to be revised to level the political grounds dominated by the ruling Frelimo party.

The former rebel movement has refused to discuss the disarming of its militants, who were accused of a series of attacks on military and civilian targets in central Mozambique since April.

Renamo threatens to boycott this year's municipal elections and next year's presidential election if the negotiation does not produce positive results.

Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama has said he won't stand in the presidential vote unless the electoral law is changed to address what alleged bias against his party.

But the government says it will stick to the election schedule despite Renamo threats.

Pacheco said the elections will be held with or without the opposition. Municipal elections are scheduled for Nov. 20, and presidential and parliamentary elections are to be held on Oct. 15 next year.

Earlier this year, deadly clashes broke out between Renamo militia and security forces in central Sofala province. The unrest has unsettled some investors seeking opportunities in the fast- growing economy.

After winning independence from Portugal in 1975, Mozambique fell into a devastating war between Frelimo and Renamo. The civil war ended in 1992 after a peace treaty was signed in Rome.