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Zimbabwe Opposition OKs Power-Sharing Plan

Tsvangirai will be PM starting Feb. 11

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 30, 2009 8:53 AM CST
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(Newser) – In a “leap of faith” settlement, Zimbabwe’s opposition leader has agreed to a power-sharing plan after months of political turmoil, the BBC reports. Morgan Tsvangirai will become prime minister on Feb. 11 while Robert Mugabe remains president under a new timetable brokered by a southern African coalition. “We are unequivocal, we will go into this government,” Tsvangirai told AFP.

Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change party has little faith in Mugabe and said the latest summit hadn’t met its expectations. But “we are bound by” the group’s terms, Tsvangirai said. The MDC saw no other way toward a unity government. The parties signed a power-sharing deal in September, but it has been mired in political trouble. They agreed today to form a bipartisan committee to oversee the unity government.

Zimbabwe's main opposition party leader Morgan Tsvangirai, center, addresses hundreds of people gathered outside the party's offices in Harare today.
Zimbabwe's main opposition party leader Morgan Tsvangirai, center, addresses hundreds of people gathered outside the party's offices in Harare today.   (AP Photo)
Zimbabwe's main opposition party leader Morgan Tsvangirai, center, is seen prior to addressing hundreds of people gathered outside the party's offices in Harare.
Zimbabwe's main opposition party leader Morgan Tsvangirai, center, is seen prior to addressing hundreds of people gathered outside the party's offices in Harare.   (AP Photo)
Zimbabwean main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai arrives for talks in Pretoria, South Africa Monday.
Zimbabwean main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai arrives for talks in Pretoria, South Africa Monday.   (AP Photo )
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe looks on before the start of the Extra-Ordinary Summit at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, South Africa Monday where parties worked on the deal.
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe looks on before the start of the Extra-Ordinary Summit at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, South Africa Monday where parties worked on the deal.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Mr.C
Jan 30, 2009 2:05 AM CST
http://www.newser.com/story/49154/obama-out-to-topple-mugabe.html I'm not sure if I'm pissed or happy. I need more information.

Experts give their thoughts on the deal
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A timeline of the turbulence
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Zimbabwe • Robert Mugabe • Morgan Tsvangirai • prime minister • power sharing deal • Movement for Democratic Change • unity • Southern African Development Community

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