A HISTORIC power-sharing deal was officially signed this morning by the leaders of the main political parties in Zimbabwe.
The highest decision-making bodies of the two parties yesterday endorsed the power sharing-deal. The MDC National Council, the party's supreme decision-making body, on Sunday endorsed the political brokered by the Southern African Development Community, while Zanu PF’s politburo met on Friday and unanimously agreed to the deal.
The signing ceremony was attended by close to 20 regional and international leaders. Some of the dignitaries flew into the capital yesterday while others, including the Sadc-appointed mediator in the Zimbabwean dialogue, President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, flew in this morning.
The first part of the ceremony was introduced by King Mswati III of Swaziland who has just recently celebrated his 40th birthday and the 40th occassion of his country's independence from Britain. Mswati III congratulated the principals to the negotiation and the facilitator President Thabo Mbeki for their concerted effort in finding a peaceful resolution to the Zimbabwean crisis.
President Mbeki introduced the three principals with their new titles: President Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara.
Deputy PM Arthur Mutambara was the first to address the conference calling the agreement "the best short-term measure" and was a "result produced by Zimbabweans, and a victory for African solutions to African problems".
"Today is the beginning. The hard work starts today".
PM Morgan Tsvangirai first excused himself for wearing glasses by saying: "I've aged, so I have to use this." Tsvangirai for the first time addressed Mugabe as President and paid tribute to the late Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa for his effiorts in finding a peaceful solution to the Zimbabwean crisis.
Quoting President Mugabe's speech in 1980 on the occassion of the independence of Zimbabwe, Tsvangirai said, "Let's now turn our swords into ploughshares." He called on all the people of Zimbabwe to leave their differences in the past and move forward in rebuilding the country. He warned that there "is no instant cure" in Zimbabwe and that "patience is a virtue".
Tsvangirai called for the international community to support the development of Zimbabwe.
Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba, President Seretse Khama Ian Khama of Botswana, Mozambican President Armando Guebuza, President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, who is also African Union chairman, Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili of Lesotho, Swaziland’s King Mswati III, who is the chairman of the Sadc Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, and Acting Zambian President Rupiah Banda were in attendance.
Malawian Minister of Health Mr Khumbo Kachale, who was representing President Bingu wa Mutharika, was also in attendance to witness the signing ceremony.
All the 14 Sadc leaders were invited to the official signing ceremony including the executive secretary Dr Tomaz Augusto Salomao and the African Union Commission chairman Jean Ping, and a representative of United Nations secretary-general Mr Ban Ki Moon landed at Harare International Airport late last night.
Representatives of the Angolan and Mauritian leaders also flew in yesterday.
developing...
