South African President Mbeki: Zimbabwe power-sharing deal struck

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
South African President Thabo Mbeki said on Thursday he had successfully mediated a power-sharing deal between Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and the opposition. Mbeki did not immediately offer details, but said Thursday the agreement would be signed Monday. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai had told reporters the parties "have got a deal." Mbeki had been in Zimbabwe since Monday trying to resolve the impasse over who would wield the most authority in a unity government. Tsvangirai 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 had held since independence from Britain in 1980.