Zimbabwe's rival factions last night appeared to be closing in on a deal that would see Morgan Tsvangirai, the opposition leader, become the country's most powerful politician.

The deal would see Robert Mugabe, the president, assume a largely ceremonial role but his acolytes would retain significant influence in the conflict-torn country, a compromise likely to disappoint Mr Tsvangirai's supporters in the Movement for Democratic change as well as the wider international community.