MOSCOW, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday urged all sides in Zimbabwe to take "constructive approach" when negotiations between the government and oppositions are going on.

    Lavrov asked all participants in the intra-Zimbabwean dialogue to "show a maximally constructive approach in the interest of ensuring stability and national harmony in the country" during a phone conversation with his counterpart Simbarashe Mumbengegwi of the South African state.

    Lavrov reaffirmed support for the efforts being undertaken by the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to resolve the crisis in Zimbabwe, said a statement posted on the ministry's website.

    Mumbengegwi informed Lavrov on progress in the talks between the government of Zimbabwe and the opposition in order to work outa mutually acceptable formula of a political settlement, it said.

    Zimbabwe's inter-party talks between the ruling Zanu-PF and the two opposition MDC formations have gathered momentum in South Africa amid reports that the parties have agreed on a working framework that could lead to the drafting of a memorandum of engagement this week.

    The talks are being held under a SADC-backed initiative in which President Mbeki is the chief mediator.

    Several members of the United Nations Security Council, including permanent members Russia and China, vetoed last Thursday a U.S.-drafted sanctions resolution against Zimbabwe, opting to express support for the talks between the Government and the opposition.