Zimbabwe's power-sharing deal signed

Zimbabwe’s president Robert Mugabe and opposition leaders today signed a power-sharing deal that will see him lose some of his all-encompassing power.

The deal’s mediator, South African President Thabo Mbeki, introduced Mugabe as president, main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai as prime minister and Arthur Mutambara, leader of a smaller opposition faction, as deputy prime minister moments before the three signed the document.

The deal follows three months of difficult negotiations mediated by Mr Mbeki at the request of the Southern African Development Community.

Leaders of the 14-member regional bloc and of the African Union were at the ceremony.