Zimbabwe's government spokesman says a coalition government could be good for the country. But Deputy Information Minister Bright Matonga says he can't confirm there are discussions between President Robert Mugabe's party and the opposition on forming a unity government. Matonga spoke in an interview Tuesday. Opposition spokesman Nqobizitha Mlilo (in-KO-bee-zee-ta m-LIL-o ) says he cannot comment on the possible talks.

Simba Makoni, who came in third in recent presidential elections, says power-sharing talks are taking place.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai beat Mugabe in the first round of voting but did not win the majority necessary to avoid a runoff, scheduled for June 27. Mugabe's ZANU-PF party also lost its majority in parliament for the first time since independence.

(This version CORRECTS spokesman's quote.)