Tensions run high in Zimbabwean talks to break deadlock

Zimbabwean legislators heckled each other during the first working session of the new opposition-dominated parliament last night as negotiators tried to salvage the African country’s power-sharing agreement.

Riot police also broke up a demonstration held by students outside the legislature.

Witnesses saw at least three students bundled into a police van. A number of others were injured in a scuffle and had to be helped to a nearby clinic. Police comment was not immediately available.

Former South African president Thabo Mbeki, who flew to Harare late on Monday, was mediating talks between president Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

The two arrived at Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare after negotiators held morning meetings.