Zimbabwe’s Mugabe begins exit address to nation

Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe has begun speaking on state television on his resignation.
He has shaken the hands of the military leaders who put him under house arrest just days ago. He says he is aware of a “whole range of concerns,” including the economy, which is going through “a difficult patch.”
Mugabe is poised to step down after 37 years in power. He is the world’s oldest head of state.
He says “the pillars of state remained functional” amid the crisis, in which Zimbabweans rallied by the tens of thousands against him and ruling party leaders told him to step aside or face impeachment.
Earlier in the day, the state-run Herald newspaper said Mugabe had gone into a closed-door meeting with the military generals who put him under house arrest days ago.
An official close to the talks on Mugabe’s departure said the president is resigning after 37 years in power.
Zimbabweans have been stunned and then exhilarated by the downfall of the world’s oldest head of state, who had vowed to rule until death. He had been increasingly isolated since the military stepped in, with tens of thousands demonstrating Saturday in the capital for his departure.
The ruling party’s Central Committee on Sunday told Mugabe to resign as president by noon Monday or face impeachment.

Source:Arabnews