JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - Talks between Zimbabwe's ruling and opposition parties are set to begin in South Africa's capital on Tuesday, in a first step toward resolving the country's myriad problems.

Bitter rivals President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai agreed Monday to formal talks about sharing power to end Zimbabwe's crisis, deepened by three months of state-sponsored electoral violence.

The talks were to start later Tuesday at a secret location, said Mukoni Ratshitanga, spokesman for mediator President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa.

Tsvangirai, in an open message to Zimbabweans, said Tuesday that the agreement "offers the most tangible opportunity in the past 10 years to improve the lives of our fellow citizens." However, he cautioned "our signatures alone do not guarantee that we will be able to make the most of this opportunity."

Mbeki persuaded the parties to agree to complete negotiations within two weeks, in a sudden show of urgency that may have been heightened by intense international pressure.

The agreement includes a key opposition demand for an end to the political violence that has killed dozens, injured thousands and send tens of thousands fleeing from their homes.

It also comes after the opposition won a concession to broaden the mediation of Mbeki, whom they accuse of being partial to Mugabe. The breakthrough came after Mbeki agreed Friday to include representatives of the United Nations and the African Union.

Mbeki has long argued that dialogue - and not punitive sanctions - is the only way to deal with the longtime African leader.

In Brussels on Tuesday, European Union foreign ministers are expected to consider tightening sanctions against Mugabe.

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Monday's meeting between Mugabe and Tsvangirai was only "a first step." EU nations expect more proof that Mugabe is willing to sign up to a transitional government with the opposition, he said.

"It requires an end to the violence, it requires an end to the ban on humanitarian NGO's getting around Zimbabwe. Those are the first steps toward a resolution of the Zimbabwean crisis," Miliband told reporters.

The EU imposed a travel ban and asset freezes against Mugabe and about 130 of his cronies in 2003 for human rights violations.

Monday's agreement gives broad outlines for discussion and no indication what Mugabe, who has clung to power for 28 years, may be willing to concede.

The leaders agreed on the need to work together "in an inclusive government" - the closest language to a power-sharing accord. And they committed to creating a "genuine, viable, permanent and sustainable solution."

Tsvangirai called it "the first tentative step toward searching for a solution."

Mugabe said they must "chart a new way" - but act without influence from Europe or the United States. In the past, he has branded Tsvangirai a Western puppet.

The talks would kick off without the principals, party sources said.

Mugabe is expected to send Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa and the minister for social welfare, Nicholas Goche.

The chief negotiator for Tsvangirai's party is secretary-general Tendai Biti and he will be assisted by deputy secretary-general Elton Mungoma. A third, breakaway faction of Tsvangirai's party will be represented by its secretary-general and deputy, Welshman Ncube and Priscilla Misihairabwe-Mushonga.

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