Tsvangirai: Zimbabwe power-sharing deal struck

Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader said tonight he had struck a deal to share power with President Robert Mugabe.

Morgan Tsvangirai told reporters the parties “have got a deal”.

He did not elaborate, saying the mediator would soon give details.

The mediator is South African President Thabo Mbeki, who has been in Zimbabwe since Monday trying to resolve the impasse over whether Tsvangirai or Mugabe would wield the most authority in a unity government.

Tsvangirai has said he should be head of government and preside over Cabinet meetings, while Mugabe should be relegated to a ceremonial position.

Mugabe had shown little willingness to give up much of the power he has held since independence from Britain in 1980.

Mr Mbeki said later that he had successfully mediated a power-sharing deal.

He did not give details, but said the agreement would be signed on Monday.