Tsvangirai becomes Zimbabwe's PM

Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has been sworn in as prime minister in a unity government with President Robert Mugabe.

Mr Tsvangirai won the first round of last year's presidential election - but he withdrew from the run-off, citing violence against his supporters.

However he later agreed to share power with Mr Mugabe.

Problems facing the new government include a cholera epidemic, a collapsed economy and a 90% unemployment rate.

Mr Mugabe administered the oath of office to Mr Tsvangirai at a ceremony in Harare.

There were smiles and handshakes as the two bitter political rivals stood face-to-face under a white tent on the grounds of Mr Mugabe's presidential palace.

"I will well and truly serve Zimbabwe in the office of prime minister of the republic of Zimbabwe, so help me God," Mr Tsvangirai said with his right arm raised in a brief ceremony that was broadcast live on television.

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Archived November 2006