**South African President Jacob Zuma says he made “great progress” in his first trip to Zimbabwe as mediator between members of the unity government.**He says he has agreed a package of measures which he hopes will end the political deadlock.
President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, who agreed to share power after disputed elections in 2008, are at odds over key issues.
Mr Zuma said further talks would be held in coming weeks.
President Zuma told a news conference he had been encouraged by the spirit of co-operation displayed by the parties - which have been at loggerheads over implementing the power-sharing deal.
OUTSTANDING DISAGREEMENTS
- Harassment
MDC accuses Zanu-PF of campaign of violence, Zanu-PF dismisses claims as ‘outrageous’ - Senior officials
MDC says central bank governor and attorney general must be replaced, Zanu-PF disagrees - Roy Bennett
MDC says terrorism charges against him should be dropped, Zanu-PF says courts must decide - Provincial governors
Mr Mugabe refuses to swear in MDC nominees - White-owned farms
MDC says farm seizures must stop, Zanu-PF disagrees - Western sanctions
Zanu-PF wants Tsvangirai to get them lifted
Bitterness and unease in Zimbabwe
Polarised lives of rich and poor
“I have had fruitful discussions with all the signatories,” Mr Zuma said after nearly three hours of talks with Mr Mugabe and Mr Tsvangirai.
“The parties have agreed to a package of measures to be implemented,” he said.
So far there has been no word from President Mugabe’s Zanu-PF party. But Nelson Chamisa, spokesman for Mr Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change, said the talks were a positive step.
The Southern African Development Community appointed Mr Zuma as its chief
The details of the measures have not been disclosed. But they are understood to relate to appointments to senior positions - including those of central bank governor, attorney general and provincial governors, says the BBC’s Karen Allen in Johannesburg.
President Zuma met the officials currently holding those positions as well as MDC minister Roy Bennett, who has been on trial for treason.
The MDC has accused Mr Mugabe of breaking the power-sharing deal by unilaterally appointing a central bank governor and attorney general.
The trial of Mr Bennett on terrorism charges has further divided the two parties.