Zimbabwean political sources said Tuesday that President Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara could address the nation on Friday if they are able to wrap up talks on issues troubling their unity government.
Sources privy to their discussions Tuesday said Mr. Mugabe remained adamant that Reserve Bank Governor Gideon Gono and Attorney General Johannes Tomana cannot be replaced.
But these sources said the three leaders are close to agreeing on most other issues including the appointments of governors, ambassadors and ministerial permanent secretaries.
Mr. Tsvangirai recently expressed optimism that most outstanding issues can be resolved.
But Mr Tsvangirai’s own Movement for Democratic Change formation last week issued an ultimatum setting a Monday deadline for resolution of all the issues. Its standing committee was to meet on Wednesday to examine progress in the talks to date.
The Tsvangirai MDC formation's national council and executive are to meet later this week.
Harare political analyst Charles Mangongera told reporter Blessing Zulu of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that reaching a compromise is a tall order for the three principals.