Maputo - Mozambique's ex-rebel group Renamo on Friday called for changes to the country's electoral law after meeting with government officials in a bid to defuse tensions following recent deadly clashes.
Renamo's delegation head, Saimon Macuana, said the group had delivered a document to the ministry of defence addressing the political situation in the country and demanding changes to the electoral law, which it believes doesn't treat all parties fairly.
"We have to find a law that allows all a level playing field," Macuana told reporters in the capital, adding that the current electoral law "does not benefit of all political forces".
Macuana added that the talks also covered "matters related to the urgent need for dialogue between Renamo and the government" and the creation of a mediation team.
The meeting came amid threats of fresh violence after deadly attacks last week between Renamo and government forces in the central province of Sofala left seven people dead, including police officers.
Tensions between Renamo and the Frelimo-led government, former civil war foes, escalated last year after the group's leader Afonso Dhlakama set up camp in the Gorongosa mountains, retraining former guerrilla fighters.
Dhlakama is demanding the government renegotiate the terms of a 1992 peace accord.
The group has threatened to disrupt local elections set for November.
Dhlakama has said that he is open to a ceasefire as long as the government pulls back its security forces from the perimeter of his bush camp in the Gorongosa mountains and releases 15 detained supporters.
Military officials at the meeting urged Renamo to help return the country to stability, saying troops will continue to monitor volatile areas.
Earlier this month, Renamo members attacked a police command post in the town of Muxungue, just hours after the police raided the group's office with tear gas and arrested 15 leaders. - Sapa-AFP
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