This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/7325524.stm

The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
'No deal' for Mugabe to step down 'No deal' for Mugabe to step down
(10 minutes later)
Zimbabwe's opposition leader and a government minister have denied reports that a deal has been reached for President Robert Mugabe to step down.Zimbabwe's opposition leader and a government minister have denied reports that a deal has been reached for President Robert Mugabe to step down.
Morgan Tsvangirai said he believed his Movement for Democratic Change had won Saturday's election but declined to go as far as declaring himself the winner.Morgan Tsvangirai said he believed his Movement for Democratic Change had won Saturday's election but declined to go as far as declaring himself the winner.
He said his party would reveal their tally of results on Wednesday.He said his party would reveal their tally of results on Wednesday.
Bright Matonga, Zanu-PF's Deputy Information Minister, also rejected reports of talks with the opposition. Bright Matonga, Zanu-PF's Deputy Information Minister, also rejected
In his first public appearance since the election, Mr Tsvangirai told a news conference on Tuesday evening: "There is no discussion and this is just a speculative story. reports of talks with the opposition.
"There is no way we would enter into any deal before the ZEC [Zimbabwe Electoral Commission] announces a final result." In his first public appearance since the election, Mr Tsvangirai told a news conference on Tuesday evening: "Let's not be influenced by speculation. There is no discussion, and therefore this is just a speculative story.
"Let's wait for ZEC [Zimbabwe Electoral Commission] to complete its work and then we can discuss the circumstances that will affect the people."
ROBERT MUGABE Born: 1924Trained as a teacher1961: Married Ghanaian Sally Hayfron1964: Imprisoned by Rhodesian government1980: Wins post-independence elections1996: Marries Grace Marufu2000: Loses referendum2000: Land invasions start2002: Wins presidential elections, dismissed by western observers2008: Runs for a sixth term as president
MDC opposition sources had earlier told the BBC the outline of a deal had nearly been reached for Mr Mugabe to step down.MDC opposition sources had earlier told the BBC the outline of a deal had nearly been reached for Mr Mugabe to step down.
They said representatives of Mr Mugabe, military chiefs and the opposition had held meetings chaired by South Africa, but Johannesburg had also denied any involvement.They said representatives of Mr Mugabe, military chiefs and the opposition had held meetings chaired by South Africa, but Johannesburg had also denied any involvement.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has not yet given any results in the presidential race, sparking MDC claims that the outcome was being fixed. The ZEC has not yet given any results in the presidential race, sparking MDC claims that the outcome was being fixed.
Asked at the news conference if he believed the MDC had won the elections, Mr Tsvangirai said: "Oh yes, oh yes. We have no doubt about that. Certainly but we have to wait as we are all waiting."
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.
Mr Mugabe has not been seen in public since the election.Mr Mugabe has not been seen in public since the election.