E.U.: Toughen sanctions against Mugabe

Beyond the political crisis, Zimbabwe's economy is in ruins. Mugabe's seizures of white-own commercial farms have destroyed the former food-exporting nation. One third of the population has fled the country, another third is dependent on food aid and some 80 percent are unemployed.

There are chronic shortages of fuel, medicine and food with daily cuts in power and water service and inflation has spiraled out of control to 2.2 million percent annually, the highest in the world.

Monday's agreement between the parties gives broad outlines for discussion and no indication what Mugabe, who has clung to power for 28 years, may be willing to concede in talks with the opposition.

The leaders agreed on the need to work together "in an inclusive government" — the closest language to a power-sharing accord. And they committed to creating a "genuine, viable, permanent and sustainable solution."

Tsvangirai, in an open message to Zimbabweans Tuesday, said the agreement "offers the most tangible opportunity in the past 10 years to improve the lives of our fellow citizens." However, he cautioned "our signatures alone do not guarantee that we will be able to make the most of this opportunity."

Mugabe said they must "chart a new way" — but act without influence from Europe or the United States. In the past, he has branded Tsvangirai a Western puppet.

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