Echoing comments on Tuesday by Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern who said a deal might be just days away, Pahad said Zimbabwe's government and main opposition Movement for Democratic Change seemed to have agreed on all substantial issues in talks being mediated by South Africa.

"It seems to me from all the leaked reports and what the (Irish) prime minister was saying yesterday, we can see some real movement forward in trying to resolve these outstanding issues," Pahad said.

Pahad, who is not on the team overseeing the negotiations, said the main stumbling block appeared to be whether to introduce agreed constitutional changes before Zimbabweans vote in general elections currently scheduled for March.

The MDC said on Wednesday it planned a protest march next week to demonstrate against a crumbling economy and press for a new constitution it says will guarantee a free and fair poll.

Ahern suggested on Tuesday the final obstacles to a deal between the ruling ZANU PF and MDC might be only days away.