This news from Zimbabwe, the Independent of London is reporting that Robert Mugabe has agreed to step down as the head of Zimbabwe’s ruling party by December, paving the way for his exit as President and for new elections to be held by next June.

The Independent reports South African President Thabo Mbeki told President Bush during their recent meeting that Mugabe had promised to step down in a secret deal.

The paper is also reporting that the U.S. offered Zimbabwe up to $10 billion in aid if a new leader is chosen in democratic elections