HARARE – Zimbabwean chief terrorist Robert Mugabe said he would form a unity government "as soon as possible" and a minister said he would invite Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai to nominate members of a joint cabinet.

Asked when a new cabinet will be announced, Mugabe told Zimbabwe state television (ZTV) on Monday: "We will try to institute it as soon as possible."

The 15-nation Southern African Development Community said on Sunday after an emergency summit that Zimbabwe should form a unity government immediately and Mugabe and the opposition should share control of the disputed home affairs ministry.

Mugabe said on Monday he was happy with SADC’s mediation efforts.

"I think they have been persuasive this time. There is no way they can force things on parties or countries," he said. "The decision to run a country rests on the government of that country."

Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa told ZTV Mugabe would invite his foe to nominate MDC members for cabinet posts.

"President Mugabe is going to constitute an inclusive government and is going to invite Mr. Morgan Tsvangirai to proffer members of his party nominated for various posts," Chinamasa said. "Whether Mr Tsvangirai is going to do that or not, time will tell."