Zimbabwe's opposition have decided to join a government with President Robert Mugabe next month.
The move by the Movement for Democratic Change's (MDC) ends the political deadlock that has worsened the economic and humanitarian crisis.
Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who had been under heavy pressure from southern African leaders, announced the decision after a meeting of the MDC National Council. He is now set to become prime minister.
'Now is the time for us to put aside our political differences, to prioritise the welfare of the people,' Mr Tsvangirai said in a statement after the decision in Harare.
It could be a step towards saving the ruined economy of the once prosperous country, where half the people now need food aid and Africa's deadliest cholera epidemic in 15 years has killed 3,100 people and infected 60,000.
But it is unclear that Mr Mugabe and Mr Tsvangirai will be able to work together effectively to persuade Western states to provide the investment and aid needed.
The government is set to be formed by 11 February.
Mr Tsvangirai said the focus should be on 'stabilisation, development, progress and democratisation.'
Regional leaders had piled pressure on both sides to implement the power-sharing deal they signed in September and South African President Kgalema Motlanthe said his country was ready to help rebuild Zimbabwe once that happens.
The power-sharing agreement had been stalled by a dispute over control of key cabinet positions.
Mr Tsvangirai's party feared being sidelined in a joint administration.
