THE principals of the negotiating parties President Robert Mugabe, Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara met in Harare yesterday at Zimbabwe House and discussed how they would share ministries, ahead of the deal signing ceremony set for tomorrow.Afterwards the leaders held separate meetings with representatives of their parties to brief them on what had transpired.
At the time of going to the press, Tsvangirai and Mugabe were said to be holed up in the meetings with no indications when these would end.
Mugabe was at the Zanu PF headquarters where he chaired a Politburo meeting.
Sources however said the leaders agreed that they would finalise the allocation of ministries on Tuesday next week. This was the first time the three leaders have met in the absence of South African President Thabo Mbeki, who has been meditating in Zimbabwe for 18 months.
The contentious ministries were that of Defence and Home Affairs. Zanu PF, whose First Secretary President Mugabe is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is keen to have the Defence Ministries while the MDC is keen on that of Home Affairs. If the MDC gets that ministry it would not object to Zanu PF also getting the Ministry of National Security which will be a department in the President’s Office.
It is understood that the parties spent more time discussing the positions of governors and in the end agreed that they should share the positions in line with the power-sharing agreement.
Mugabe is said to be in a dilemma because he has to drop some of his ministers and a number of provincial governors he appointed two weeks ago in order to comply with Zanu PF’s share of seats.
Nine government ministries have been restructured, seven others paired down, while only 15 deputy ministers will be retained instead of the previous 20 under the deal hammered out on Thursday last week.
The Standard understands that there is a newly created Ministry of Prisons and Correctional Services. The restructured ministries will be of Economic Planning and Development; Industry and Commerce, Regional Integration and International Trade; Environment, Natural Resources and Tourism; Justice, Parliamentary and Constitutional Affairs; State Enterprises and Empowerment; Public Works and Rural Development; Media, Information and Publicity; Youth, Arts, Sports and Culture.
Ministries that have seen their portfolios reduced are: Education; Health; Local Government; Lands; Agriculture; Water Resources; Public Service; National Housing; and Transport.
The 15 ministries that will have deputies will be those of Defence; Home Affairs; Foreign Affairs; Finance; Industry and Commerce, Regional Integration and International Trade; Health, Education; Local Government; Lands and Resettlement; Agriculture; Labour and Social Services; Energy; National Housing; Transport; and Public Works and Rural Development.
While Mugabe has to work out a plan not to disappoint his underachieving ministers, Mutambara is set to land the Vice Prime Minister’s post without major hurdles.
His faction has to appoint a VPM and he is most likely going to be appointed that position.
On the other hand, Thokozani Khupe is expected to be appointed Vice Prime Minister of the MDC T formation.
Meanwhile the international community, represented in Zimbabwe by the European Union, the UK and US said support for the economic recovery would only be decided after the details of Thursday’s agreement became available.
The EU said they were unable to give a "concise and firm response" as they were awaiting Monday’s disclosure of the details of the deal, "we hope will meet the expectations of the Zimbabwean people".
The British Embassy, in a statement to The Standard said: "We are following the situation closely. We look forward to seeing the detail of the agreement announced by President (Thabo) Mbeki yesterday evening.
"Our overriding concern is the welfare of the Zimbabwean people."
A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Harare, when approached for comment said: "We do not have any comment at this time since we have not seen the details of the agreement… It’s a step forward and we hop that it represents the will of the people."
The United Nations Security Council has welcomed the historic agreement, with UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon saying he hoped the deal would pave way for durable peace in Zimbabwe.
The African Union described the power-sharing deal as a "turning point" for the nation and urged the world to give it full support.
A statement issued late on Friday by AU Commission chairman Jean Ping, said: "The chairperson commends the Zimbabwean parties for arriving at this agreement which marks a turning point in the efforts aimed at promoting reconciliation, stability and fostering conditions conducive for the recovery of their country."
By Walter Marwizi/Davison Maruziva
NIGERIAN INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE (THEMED- THE SEVEN POINT AGENDA), AWARDS NIGHT AND CELEBRATIONS, LONDON ON 4TH OCTOBER 2008
BEN Television, London (Europe’s first and Ethnic satellite TV channel) in partnership with its PR subsidiary, Jader Group and in a working relationship with Nigeria High Commission, London is hosting the above mentioned event.
The event in commemoration of Nigeria’s 48th Independence Anniversary is aimed at engaging Nigerians in Diaspora and the international community for a discourse of the 7 point agenda (Education, Food Security and Agriculture, Land Reform, Power and Energy, Wealth creation and Employment, Transport and Security) of the present Federal Government under President Umaru Musa Yaradua (GCFR) as a way of maximising the huge resources available in the country for development. It is totally interactive and a dialogue forum to hear and be heard. (Please pass on if you can not attend. Thanks)
Time: 11:00AM to 16:00PM
Date: 4th October 2008
Venue: Troxy Banqueting Hall, 490 Commercial road, Aldgate, E1 0HX, London .
BEN Television, London (Europe’s first and Ethnic satellite TV channel) in partnership with its PR subsidiary, Jader Group and in a working relationship with Nigeria High Commission, London is hosting the above mentioned event.
The event in commemoration of Nigeria’s 48th Independence Anniversary is aimed at engaging Nigerians in Diaspora and the international community for a discourse of the 7 point agenda (Education, Food Security and Agriculture, Land Reform, Power and Energy, Wealth creation and Employment, Transport and Security) of the present Federal Government under President Umaru Musa Yaradua (GCFR) as a way of maximising the huge resources available in the country for development. It is totally interactive and a dialogue forum to hear and be heard. (Please pass on if you can not attend. Thanks)
Time: 11:00AM to 16:00PM
Date: 4th October 2008
Venue: Troxy Banqueting Hall, 490 Commercial road, Aldgate, E1 0HX, London .
This maiden edition will be attended by Nigerian’s dignitaries from Nigeria and the Diaspora under the leadership of Nigeria High Commissioner to UK, Sen. Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida and humbly invite your presence. (BIZ FORUM IS A FREE EVENT - by Reservation: 07930 140 964 or email: http://uk.mc255.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=executives@jadergroup.com)
Other invited guests, include: Governor of Ogun State, Minister of Informations, Special Adviser to the President on Economic development, Speaker of the House and others.
There is also a planned Awards/dinner in the evening of the same day to honour individuals, government and corporate institutions who have contributed to the development/image of the country since its 48 years of independence both at home and in the Diaspora. (THIS IS A TICKET/INVITATION ONLY EVENT)
Other invited guests, include: Governor of Ogun State, Minister of Informations, Special Adviser to the President on Economic development, Speaker of the House and others.
There is also a planned Awards/dinner in the evening of the same day to honour individuals, government and corporate institutions who have contributed to the development/image of the country since its 48 years of independence both at home and in the Diaspora. (THIS IS A TICKET/INVITATION ONLY EVENT)
The categories are:
(a) Personality of the Year (nominate)
(b) Nigerian State of the Year (Nominate)
(C) Recognised Nigerian Tourist State (Nominate)
(d) Recognised Nigerian Airline
(e) Nigerian Financial Institution of the Year
(f) Best Corporate Sponsor of BME Events in the Diaspora and others recipient includes - The Founder of OBAT oil, Okada University Founder amongst others.
The dinner/musical concert and award which will also be on the same day (from 7pm and ends by 11.pm) will round up the ceremony with top Nigerian artistes. (THIS IS A TICKET/INVITATION ONLY EVENT)
All are invited by phoning for Biz Forum on - 07930 140 964 for reservations or email: http://uk.mc255.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=executives@jadergroup.com.
For Sponsorship and for marketing, please do contact – marketinge@bentelevision.com.
(a) Personality of the Year (nominate)
(b) Nigerian State of the Year (Nominate)
(C) Recognised Nigerian Tourist State (Nominate)
(d) Recognised Nigerian Airline
(e) Nigerian Financial Institution of the Year
(f) Best Corporate Sponsor of BME Events in the Diaspora and others recipient includes - The Founder of OBAT oil, Okada University Founder amongst others.
The dinner/musical concert and award which will also be on the same day (from 7pm and ends by 11.pm) will round up the ceremony with top Nigerian artistes. (THIS IS A TICKET/INVITATION ONLY EVENT)
All are invited by phoning for Biz Forum on - 07930 140 964 for reservations or email: http://uk.mc255.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=executives@jadergroup.com.
For Sponsorship and for marketing, please do contact – marketinge@bentelevision.com.
PEACE IN LONDON !
The LONDON WEEK OF PEACE (LWOP) is an annual week of high profile events, initiatives and action organised principally by communities and individuals but also engaging organisations, businesses and public agencies, to promote greater community cohesion, safety and peace across the capital. It will take place from the 13th - 21st of September 2008
Contact us:
The Peace Alliance
117 Bruce GroveTottenhamLondonN17 6UR
Tel: 020 8808 9439
Fax: 020 8808 9563
http://uk.mc255.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=info@weekofpeace.org.uk
The LONDON WEEK OF PEACE (LWOP) is an annual week of high profile events, initiatives and action organised principally by communities and individuals but also engaging organisations, businesses and public agencies, to promote greater community cohesion, safety and peace across the capital. It will take place from the 13th - 21st of September 2008
Contact us:
The Peace Alliance
117 Bruce GroveTottenhamLondonN17 6UR
Tel: 020 8808 9439
Fax: 020 8808 9563
http://uk.mc255.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=info@weekofpeace.org.uk
