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MAPUTO. — Delegations of Mozambican government and the country’s main opposition Renamo were meeting yesterday to harmer last issues after prolonged differences, as hopes were raised when a “new approach” was 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 demobilisation of Renamo’s private militia.
Renamo’s approach was not quite clear. Deputy head of the government delegation, Transport Minister Gabriel Muthisse was quoted by the state Radio Mozambique yesterday as saying the Renamo approach was about important aspects: trying to remove some of the 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 President Armando Guebuza believes that Renamo’s new approach could form the 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 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 on terms of reference for the foreign military observers who should monitor the cessation of hostilities.

He was quoted as saying that these advances were so far not 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 defence 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 was part of 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’s 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 have been fighting in central Mozambique since last year.

Renamo’s first attack against vehicles using the main north-south highway took place in June 2013. Meanwhile, APA reports that recruitment of polling station staff for the general elections scheduled for October was expected to start yesterday and run until September 10.

At least seven officials will be recruited to take charge of the proposed 17 000 polling stations, translating to a total of more than 119 000 staff members to be recruited.

According to the National Elections Commission (CNE), all persons wishing to apply for the positions should be at least 18 years old, have seven years of primary school education, must have a tax number and speak a local language.

For each polling station, four members would be selected from members of the public while the remaining three officials would be seconded by the ruling Frelimo and the opposition Renamo and the Mozambique Democratic Movement. — Xinhua/HR/APA.