United Nations Radio

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the parties in Zimbabwe, which provides a framework for formal talks to end the political crisis in the country.

A UN statement says the Secretary-General commends the efforts of President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and his mediation team in facilitating the signing of this agreement.

It says the United Nations is committed to support these mediation efforts through its participation in the recently-formed Reference Group.

According to the statement, the Secretary-General encourages all sides to engage, in good faith, in serious talks that would lead to a lasting solution to the political crisis and address the urgent economic and humanitarian needs of the Zimbabwean people.

It concludes that the Secretary-General also urges the enabling of humanitarian operations in order to allow the provision of assistance to those in dire need.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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