Tsvangirai says he trusts Mugabe to honour deal

Zimbabwe's new Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, has said he does not trust Robert Mugabe, but he does trust the President's commitment to their power-sharing agreement.

In an interview yesterday, Mr Tsvangirai also said he believes the international community will rally to help end Zimbabwe's political and economic crisis, which has led to hyperinflation and sent thousands fleeing into South Africa.

"This is the beginning of building the necessary confidence for investment and aid. We are confident that we will be able to lay the groundwork for encouraging people to come to the country," he said.

Mr Tsvangirai said his priorities were to get food to hungry Zimbabweans, to build a more democratic society and free the media.

He was asked if he trusted Mr Mugabe. "Ask me a generic question and I say 'no' because of the experience I have had with him," he responded. "[But] I trust he is committed to this agreement, I trust he wants this deal as much as we do."

Western leaders say they are waiting for the new government to prove its commitment to democracy. The US ambassador, James McGee, said: "If this works out the way Mr Tsvangirai hopes it will, we will be very willing to work with the people of Zimbabwe."