Negotiations on outstanding issues to Zimbabwe's Global Political Agreement (GPA) which have been on hold during the festive season will begin in two weeks time, an official has said.

MDC spokesperson Nelson Chamisa on Monday confirmed that negotiators from the three parties would meet in two weeks time, according to New Ziana. "The negotiations will commence of January 16," he said.

The MDC-T is demanding appointment of its national treasurer Roy Bennet as deputy Agriculture Minister, reversal of appointments of the Reserve Bank Governor and Attorney General, equitable sharing of provincial governorships and permanent secretaries while Zanu PF is demanding an end to pirate radio broadcasts as well as removal of sanctions which it accuses its coalition partner of inviting on the country.

Chamisa said the negotiations would be among the appointed party negotiators as the principals were still on holiday.

Towards the end of last year the negotiators last year agreed on some of the sticking issues including appointments to the three Constitutional Commissions namely the Electoral, Media and Human Rights Commissions.

Addressing a joint end of year press conference, the three principals to the inclusive government, President Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara called for patience arguing that negotiators were a cumbersome process.

The principals could not give a time line on when negotiations were likely to be finalised.

By Staff reporter and agencies