HARARE, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF and the two opposition MDC formations on inter-party talks is expected to be signed any time this week, The Sunday Mail reported.

    This follows the setting up of a reference group that will liaise with President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa who still remains the sole mediator.

    The reference group that will compromise representatives from the African Union and the United Nations was set up at the invitation of President Mbeki.

    Indications are that the signing of the MoU by Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai and Professor Arthur Mutambara could be done early week.

    President Mbeki is expected to come to Harare for the signing ceremony.

    Speaking to The Sunday Mail on Saturday, the MDCT spokesperson Nelson Chamisa said the setting up of the "reference group" gives credit and integrity to the talks.

    "The reference group gives integrity to the process. It gives stamina, impetus, urgency and seriousness to the talks. Now our best hope is that Zimbabweans will provide the necessary environment to enable the negotiations to start. Acts that undermine the negotiations should stop. Under a credible negotiated agreement, the MDC is ready for take off," said Chamisa.

    However, a University of Zimbabwe lecturer in political science on Saturday expressed pessimism that Tsvangirai would sign the MoU. "It remains to be seen whether or not Tsvangirai will turn up for the signing ceremony. Chances are that, like a reluctant bride, he will play hard to get expecting manna from the European Union meeting set for Tuesday," said the lecturer.

    The reference group was set up following a meeting in South Africa last week between President Mbeki, African Union Commission chief Jean Ping and UN envoy Haile Menkerios.