A new zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe's main political parties signed a historic pact to share power on Monday 15 September 2008. Under the agreement, Mugabe remains President and Head of State with executive powers, whilst Morgan Tsvangirai becomes Prime Minister, also with some executive powers, Mutambara also comes in as the Deputy Prime Minister alongside a nominee from the Tsvangirai MDC. A new constitution should be in place in 18 months and the unity government will last for five years. Signs of mistrust and little comfort have begun to emerge as Tsvangirai says he does not trust Mugabe although he is willing to work with him for the betterment of the country. Meanwhile civic socoiety and human rights organisations have received the deal with both scepticism and otptimism.