External sanctions and opposition’s boycott of “elections” had effect

On Thursday evening the regime and the opposition in Zimbabwe reached an agreement on sharing power. It has been stated by South African President Thabo Mbeki, a mediator in settlement of the Zimbabwean crisis on behalf of the 15-nation Southern African Development Community. The talks have taken place in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe.

Mr. Mbeki stated that the make-up of the Zimbabwean national unity government would be announced on Monday. “The agreement has been reached on all items of the agenda,” he said. “The sides have signed a document”. Meanwhile, the details are to be announced on Monday.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai had demanded to become executive prime minister, thereby taking over some of the powers that Mr Mugabe has exercised for more than 28 years. Mugabe will remain president and make appointments to a 31- member Cabinet.

Mugabe favoured the presidential form of government with a full power remaining in his hands.

The opposition of Zimbabwe won the parliamentary elections and the first round of the presidential elections. Then Mr Tsvangirai withdrew, claiming the MDC was the target of state-sponsored violence. The opposition hasn’t recognized Mr Mugabe’s reelection as a president. After that the West increased economic sanctions against Mugabe’s regime, demanding the Zimbabwean authorities to hold direct talks with the oppositional leader Mr Tsvangirai.