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Zimbabweans hail 'historic' deal |
| Zimbabweans have warmly welcomed a deal setting a framework for talks on the country's political crisis. |
Residents in Harare and Bulawayo told the BBC they were excited at news of the agreement, saying they hoped it would allow a return to normal life.
The deal says power-sharing talks between President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF and the opposition MDC should be completed within two weeks.
There were conflicting reports about whether talks would begin immediately.
The signing ceremony, which MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai described as "historic", was the first time he had met Mr Mugabe in a decade.
The talks, to be held in South Africa, are expected to focus on a possible power-sharing agreement, how to revive Zimbabwe's devastated economy, as well as ending the political violence.
Mr Mugabe and Mr Tsvangirai have been locked in a bitter dispute over this year's presidential election.
Following Monday's deal, one resident in the capital, Harare, said Zimbabweans were "looking forward to peace and development".
"I am sure we can continue leading our normal lives again," said another.
In Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second city, journalist Themba Nkosi said both government and opposition supporters were desperate for a return to normal life, wanting schools that had closed during the post-election violence to reopen.
However, some Zimbabwean exiles in South Africa were sceptical about the agreement.
Solomon 'Sox' Chikohwero, Vice-Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Diaspora Forum, told the BBC there would only be cause to celebrate once a power-sharing deal was signed.
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