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Zimbabwe Leaders Sign Landmark Deal

Tsvangirai will become prime minister as parties come together

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 15, 2008 6:57 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Zimbabwe's rival political parties signed their landmark power-sharing deal today, in which Robert Mugabe will remain president while Morgan Tsvangirai will take on the new position of prime minister. The two factions of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change will receive a majority of cabinet posts, including the ministries responsible for the economy and the police. But Mugabe will still have control of the army, reports Reuters.

Mugabe, Tsvangirai, and breakaway MDC leader Arthur Mutambara signed the agreement amid cheering from regional leaders, including South Africa's president Thabo Mbeki, who negotiated the deal. While Zimbabweans hope the agreement will put the country on the road to recovery, observers are greeting it with caution —EU officials said that while they were putting planned sanctions on hold, they would not lift them definitively.

MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai addresses supporters at a celebration marking the ninth anniversary of his party in Gweru, Zimbabwe, Sunday Sept. 7, 2008.
MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai addresses supporters at a celebration marking the ninth anniversary of his party in Gweru, Zimbabwe, Sunday Sept. 7, 2008.   (AP Photo)
A power-sharing deal in Zimbabwe will see Robert Mugabe remain president, while Morgan Tsvangirai, pictured, will take on the new post of prime minister.
A power-sharing deal in Zimbabwe will see Robert Mugabe remain president, while Morgan Tsvangirai, pictured, will take on the new post of prime minister.   (AP Photo)
A power-sharing deal in Zimbabwe will see Robert Mugabe remain president, while Morgan Tsvangirai will take on the new post of prime minister.
A power-sharing deal in Zimbabwe will see Robert Mugabe remain president, while Morgan Tsvangirai will take on the new post of prime minister.   (AP Photo)
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe following talks aimed at forming a government of national unity in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Sept. 9. 2008.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe following talks aimed at forming a government of national unity in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Sept. 9. 2008.   (AP Photo)
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Zimbabwe • Robert Mugabe • Morgan Tsvangirai • Thabo Mbeki • power sharing deal • Zimbabwe elections • South African Development Community • Arthur Mutambara

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