Zimbabwe political rivals sign historic power-sharing deal - AFP - September 15, 2008

Zimbabwe's leaders on Monday signed a historic framework for forming a unity government that splits power among arch rivals in a bid to end the country's political crisis and economic meltdown.

In President Robert Mugabe's first waiver of power in nearly 30 years, the agreement outlines six executive posts to be led by the veteran leader and a new prime minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, head of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Each will have two deputies.

The former bitter rivals committed themselves to free political activity, a national healing process and the restoration of economic stability in a country that was once a regional breadbasket.

The all inclusive power-sharing agreement will see 31 ministers drawn from Zimbabwe's three main parties, with Mugabe's ZANU-PF saying on national television late Monday that talks to allocate the posts would begin Tuesday. Read More.