The government has given itself a timeline of three months to restore human rights and ease the strict restrictions on the media, although analysts remain skeptical that such ambitious targets can be met in such a short space of time.

At the end of a three-day retreat in Victoria Falls, ministers in the inclusive government drew up a 100-day 'renewal' program that will finally see the lifting of strict media laws. In 2002, the ZANU PF led government introduced stringent media laws which banned foreign reporters, privately-owned daily newspapers and viciously clamped down on any form of free media opposed to the then government.

The renewal program will also see the government strive in the next 100 days to end the country's international isolation, which is yet another legacy left by Robert Mugabe's hatred for Western powers. The retreat also resolved to settle all outstanding issues in the power-sharing accord within the 100-day framework.

Gorden Moyo, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's office said re-engagement of the broader international community including the United States and multilateral institutions will be a priority of the government in the coming three months. Moyo told journalists at the end of the retreat that the inclusive government came up with a five-point plan to turn the country around: restore human rights; address security concerns; stabilise the economy; build infrastructure and re-engage the international community. But it remains unclear how the government will go about repairing ties. The actual plans are only expected to be published by the end of the week and the implementation process is set to begin immediately after.

The government has also committed itself to normalise relations between Zimbabwe and those countries that severed links with Mugabe following allegations of vote rigging during last year's presidential elections, as well as the breakdown of the rule of law.

Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa said the ministers also agreed to lift restrictions on foreign media and begin consultations on a new constitution. Analysts see this as an important statement of intent, aimed above all at western donors, many of whom remain unconvinced that anything has really changed in the country and are therefore reluctant to funnel financial aid to the government.

Political analyst Glen Mpani said on Monday that a lot of the country's draconian laws could be changed in a matter of weeks if there is political will. He cited the numerous occasions were both parties have come out with strategic plans, which have never been implemented.

During the G20 summit in London last week, South Africa, the only African country that is a member of the grouping, had a difficult time as it tried to persuade the West to help SADC raise the US$10 billion needed to revive the country's economy. Reports say despite making a spirited pitch for Zimbabwe, the South African delegation was told Mugabe had still not met their demands for aid to start flowing into the country.

Of concern to the G20 grouping were the continuing detention of political prisoners, fresh farm invasions, violations of human rights and the continued presence of Gideon Gono at the central bank.

Makusha Mugabe, a Zimbabwean journalist based in Birmingham in the UK welcomed the planned reforms but called for changes to the way the state controlled media is run.

"We need objective and impartial leaders at these institutions. Everyone who has a say at the state controlled media is either perceived to be pro-ZANU PF or a sympathiser of that party. We need to change that mindset by appointing reformist at these institutions," the journalist said.

The United States and EU maintain visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and companies linked to rights abuses in the country, as well as embargoes on arms and equipment which could be used for internal repression. Before halting the targeted sanctions and unblocking aid, the same countries are waiting to see whether Mugabe is serious about sharing power with Tsvangirai in the inclusive government.