Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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January 30, 2009

Zimbabwe Opposition Agrees to Unity Government
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=21F33C8:A6F02AD83191E1608B77BCC850C4E1DE70AD7039DCD7B7E4&
 
Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai makes announcement in Harare after
meeting of party leaders 
Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change has agreed to join
a unity government with long-time President Robert Mugabe next month,
amid a spiraling economic and humanitarian crisis. Morgan Tsvangirai
(file photo) Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai made the announcement
in Harare Friday after a meeting of party leaders. The decision comes
more than four months after a power-sharing deal was agreed to, but
never implemented. It
finally paves the way for Tsvangirai to become prime minister, despite
lingering concerns over how cabinet seats will be allocated. The
political developments come as Zimbabwe is now allowing its citizens to
use foreign currencies, including the U.S dollar, British pound and
euro, to try to fight soaring inflation, last measured at 231 million
percent. The United Nations estimates nearly seven million people will
need food aid to survive until April, and that unemployment stands at
94 percent. Regional mediator South Africa has tried to push
through the power-sharing deal. The Movement for Democratic Change is
also demanding the release of arrested opposition activists.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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