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Deal 'close' for Mugabe to leave Deal 'close' for Mugabe to leave
(20 minutes later)
The outline of a deal has almost been reached for Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe to step down, opposition sources have told the BBC.The outline of a deal has almost been reached for Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe to step down, opposition sources have told the BBC.
They say that representatives of Mr Mugabe, Zimbabwe's military chiefs and the opposition have held meetings chaired by South Africa's president. They say representatives of Mr Mugabe, military chiefs and the opposition have held meetings chaired by South Africa since Saturday's elections.
The sources say Mr Mugabe would give an address to the nation but urge caution until the announcement has been made. The sources say Mr Mugabe is to give an address to the nation but urge caution until the announcement has been made.
The opposition says it won Saturday's general elections. The South African government, however, has denied any involvement.
Under the proposed deal, Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai would be declared the winner of the presidential race after Mr Mugabe had stepped down. The opposition Movement for Democratic Change says it won Saturday's general elections, but results have been slow to emerge.
Under the proposed deal, MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai would be declared the winner of the presidential race after Mr Mugabe had stepped down.
President Mugabe, 84, came to power 28 years ago at independence, but the economy has been in freefall in recent years.President Mugabe, 84, came to power 28 years ago at independence, but the economy has been in freefall in recent years.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has not yet given the results of the presidential race, sparking MDC claims that the outcome was being fixed. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has not yet given any results in the presidential race, sparking MDC claims that the outcome was being fixed.
BBC correspondent Ian Pannell has spoken to three MDC sources who have confirmed that a deal had almost been reached.BBC correspondent Ian Pannell has spoken to three MDC sources who have confirmed that a deal had almost been reached.
One was 90% sure that this would happen but others were less confident.One was 90% sure that this would happen but others were less confident.
One said she would not believe it completely until she saw it.
The sources say that Mr Tsvangirai's victory was so overwhelming that Mr Mugabe would have no chance of victory, even in a run-off.
Earlier, there had been increasing speculation that a second round would be needed, as no candidate had passed the 50% threshold required for victory.
Ruling Zanu-PF officials have not yet commented on the reports.Ruling Zanu-PF officials have not yet commented on the reports.
The MDC says that Mr Tsvangirai won 60% of the vote, against 30% for Mr Mugabe.