NEWS & ANALYSIS

MDC and Zanu-PF reach power-sharing deal

"Agreement has been reached on all items on the agenda" - Mbeki

HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's ruling party agreed a power-sharing deal with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC on Thursday to end the post-election crisis, both sides said.

South African President Thabo Mbeki, who has mediated the talks, said the ruling ZANU-PF and opposition had agreed on all issues, and will announce a national unity government on Monday.

"I am absolutely certain that the leadership of Zimbabwe is committed to implementing these agreements ... this is an outcome that comes out of decisions arrived at by the leadership of Zimbabwe," Mbeki said.

Tsvangirai and Mugabe have been bitter enemies for a decade.

Tsvangirai won an initial election in March but failed to secure an outright victory, boycotted the June election run-off vote over attacks on his supporters.

Mugabe, in power since independence from Britain in 1980, was declared the winner of an unopposed ballot which was condemned around the world.

Zimbabweans hope a deal can allow the revival of an economy in meltdown. Inflation is over 11 million percent and severe food and fuel shortages have driven millions across the country's borders, straining regional economies.

"It's made in Zimbabwe, it's made by Zimbabweans, the rest of the world needs to respect that the people of Zimbabwe have taken a decision about their own country," Mbeki said.

Mbeki said a formal signing ceremony attended by regional leaders was expected in Harare on Monday.

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