Mugabe and opposition leader 'in power-sharing deal'

Harare: Confusion and dismay reigned at the end of three days of power-sharing talks for Zimbabwe on Tuesday after reports circulated that President Robert Mugabe and a breakaway opposition leader had agreed on a power-sharing deal.

If confirmed, the agreement would exclude Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of the main Movement for Democratic Change. He won the first round of presidential elections in March but boycotted the runoff to protest widespread violence against opposition supporters.

It would also likely prompt protests from the West, and also some African governments, for allowing the 84-year-old Mugabe to cling to his increasingly autocratic 28-year reign that has driven his once thriving nation to economic ruin.

South African President Thabo Mbeki, who mediated the talks, remained in the Harare hotel and made no comment to reporters.