Zimbabwe's long-time President
Robert Mugabe is reportedly refusing to step down immediately, amid
growing calls for his resignation.
The 93-year-old was put under
house arrest during a military takeover on Wednesday, after a power
struggle over who would succeed him.
The military said on Friday it was "engaging" with Mr Mugabe.
It also said it had been arresting "criminals" around the president but gave no names.
It said it would advise the nation on the outcome of talks with Mr Mugabe "as soon as possible".
The army moved in after Mr Mugabe last week sacked Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, signalling that he favoured his wife Grace Mugabe to take over his Zanu-PF party and the presidency.
If President Mugabe can be persuaded to step down officially it could help legitimise the military's dramatic intervention, the BBC's Andrew Harding reports from Zimbabwe.
On the streets, it is hard to find anyone who wants Mr Mugabe to stay on, our correspondent adds, but negotiating the manner of his departure and some sort of transitional agreement to follow could take some time.
Sources close to the talks say Mr Mugabe - who has been in control of Zimbabwe since it threw off white minority rule in 1980 - is refusing to stand down voluntarily before next year's planned elections.
Some observers suggest that Mr Mugabe may be trying to seek guarantees of safety for himself and his family before stepping aside.
(BBC.COM)
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