JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - South Africa's presidential spokesman says power-sharing talks are under way between Zimbabwe's ruling and opposition forces. But there are conflicting reports about the day the talks are set to open.

It is impossible to confirm Wednesday's statement from presidential spokesman Mukoni Ratshitanga since the talks are to be held in a secret location in South Africa.

Zimbabwe's Herald newspaper is quoting Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa as saying talks will start Thursday. But Ratshitanga says they have already begun Wednesday.

President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai signed an agreement Monday to hold the talks to end Zimbabwe's crisis. The country's troubles have deepened following three months of state-sponsored electoral violence.