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purpose. Each working group was made up of representatives of the twenty-seven
political parties taking part in the CODESA discussions. These working groups met
over months between CODESA I and the breakdown in the talks of CODESA 2.
During these talks the foundations ofthe transition were laid.
Setting an Agenda for the Meeting
Fuller (1992:129) recommends that before any negotiations can be started it is
important to draw up a "detailed agenda of topics to be covered" in consultation with
your team members and the other negotiators. This means thinking of possible
questions the other side might ask and possible responses to those questions, even ifthe
two sides are familiar with one another. This will prevent giving contradictory answers.
It also helps to have ready answers to project credibility. The length of the agenda is
determined by how complex the negotiations are, as well as the negotiation experience
ofyour team members.
items:
Fuller (1992:130) suggests the negotiation agenda should include the following
~ Date, time and allocation ofthe negotiation meeting
~ The names and job responsibilities of the other side's attendees. (The
other negotiator should be consulted beforehand for this)
~ The names and negotiation responsibility of each of your team
members. Be specific about who is responsible for what.
~ Your negotiation objective
~ Questions the other side may raise and how they will be handled
~ Questions you want answered about the other side's proposal
~ Concessions that can be made ifnecessary to reach agreement
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