Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's president, has been heckled as he opened parliament claiming there was "every expectation" that all parties would agree to a power-sharing deal.

Earlier in the day, the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) had met to discuss a possible boycott of the parliament session, but decided to attend Tuesday's opening.

Members heckled as Mugabe gave his speech saying: "Landmark agreements have been concluded, with every expectation that everyone will sign up."

The MDC had said that Mugabe had no right to address the chamber until power-sharing talks between the opposition and the ruling Zanu-PF were completed.

MDC parliamentarians chanted "Zanu-PF is rotten" and "We have a pact with the people", as Mugabe addressed parliament.

Parliamentary gains

On Monday, both Zanu-PF and the MDC won positions in the two chambers, further complicating Zimbabwe's post-election political crisis.

The MDC's national chairman, Lovemore Moyo, was elected as speaker of parliament, one of the most powerful posts in Zimbabwean politics.

Zanu-PF won a vote for the presidency of the upper house of parliament, the Senate - where it has a majority - meaning it can block legislation passed by parliament.

Negotiations between Zanu-PF and the MDC have stalled over what the opposition says is Mugabe's refusal to give up executive power after 28 years in office.

The deadlock, which persists in spite of strong regional and international pressure for a deal, has dampened hopes of an agreement that could end the political crisis and revive the economy.