Mozambican government, opposition likely to reach agreement
MAPUTO, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Delegations of Mozambican government
and the country's main opposition Renamo are meeting on Monday to
harmer last issues after prolonged differences, as hopes come with
a new approach submitted by the former rebel movement last
week.
On Friday Renamo led by Afonso Dhlakama brought what was
described by the government as "a new approach" to its long-
running dialogue with the Mozambican government.
This new approach may lead to hopes that consensus might be
reached on such subjects as the disarming and demobilization of
Renamo's private militia.
It is not quite clear about the Renamo approach. Deputy head of
the government delegation, Transport Minister Gabriel Muthisse was
quoted by the state Radio Mozambique on Monday as saying the Renmo
approach were about important aspects, trying to remove some of
differences between the two sides.
"They will form the basis for a more fruitful discussion to see
how this is in line with our reality," he said.
The government of Armango Guebuza believes that new Renamo
approach could form a basis for work leading to an understanding on
how to transform Renamo into a normal political party and end the
current hostilities.
But Muthisse declined to give any details of the new proposals.
"In the light of the debate, we need to assess whether they are in
line with the Mozambican Constitution, our laws and our practices.
"
The head of the Renamo delegation, Saimone Macuiana, also
believed that with the new approach, it will soon be possible to
close the question of the terms of reference for the foreign
military observers who should monitor the cessation of
hostilities.
He was quoted by the report as saying that these advances were
not so far conclusive. "But there is an interest in us concluding
this matter, so that we can end the situation the country has been
living through for more than a year."
The key differences between the two sides included Renamo's
demand for "parity" in the defense and security forces.
Renamo had demanded the right to appoint half of all senior
officers in the armed forces (FADM) and the police.
Renamo also called for "unification" of the armed forces. This
issue already happened under the 1992 peace agreement, which set up
the FADM, according to Muthisse.
The FADM was formed in 1994 out of volunteers from both the old
government army, the FAM/FPLM and Renamo.
But many Renamo fighters decided to go home and join their
families. Some analysts said that it is possible that the Renamo
leadership deliberately held some of its fighters back.
Both sides are in fighting in central Mozambique since last
year. Renamo's first attack against vehicles using the main north-
south highway took place in June 2013. Enditem
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