Published by the government of Zimbabwe
15 September 2008
Harare — Close to 10 Heads of State and Government and leaders of regional and international bodies will witness the signing ceremony of a power-sharing agreement between Zanu-PF and the two MDC formations in Harare today.
Some of the dignitaries flew into the capital yesterday while others, including the Sadc-appointed mediator in the Zimba-bwean dialogue, President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, are expected early this morning.
President Mbeki is also the current Sadc chairman.
Leaders expected to witness the ceremony are Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba, President Seretse Khama Ian Khama of Botswana, Mozambican Presi-dent Armando Guebuza, President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, who is also African Union chairman, Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili of Lesotho, Swaziland's King Mswati III, who is the chairman of the Sadc Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, and Acting Zambian President Rupiah Banda.
Leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar were still to confirm their attendance yesterday.
All the 14 Sadc leaders were invited to the signing ceremony.
President Pohamba was the first one to jet into Harare late yesterday afternoon.
He was met at the Harare International Airport by President Mugabe.
Other dignitaries who welcomed the Namibian leader included Foreign Affairs Minister Cde Simbarashe Mumbengegwi; Information and Publicity Minister Cde Sikhanyiso Ndlovu; Women's Affairs, Gender and Community Development Minister Cde Oppah Muchinguri, senior Government officials and service chiefs.
Also at the airport to welcome President Pohamba was Namibian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Madame Kekana Nangula and several officials from the embassy.
Malawian Minister of Health Mr Khu-mbo Kachale, who is representing Presi-dent Bingu wa Mutharika, also arrived yesterday.
African Union Commission chairman Mr Jean Ping, Sadc executive secretary Dr Tomaz Augusto Salomao and a representative of United Nations secretary-general Mr Ban Ki Moon were expected to land at Harare International Airport late last night.
Representatives of the Angolan and Mauritian leaders also flew in yesterday.
President Mugabe is expected to appoint a new Cabinet comprising of Zanu-PF, MDC-T and MDC members after the signing ceremony.
CDE Mugabe, MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara of the MDC met at Zimbabwe House in Harare on Saturday and agreed on the establishment of 31 ministries in the all-inclusive Government.
The three leaders agreed on the configuration of the new Government.
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