Mbeki: 'No Zimbabwe crisis'
- 00:00:43
- ITN
Mbeki: 'No Zimbabwe crisis'
South African leader Thabo Mbeki has said there is no crisis in Zimbabwe and patience should be exercised over the election outcome.His comments come after an hour-long meeting with Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe and despite a two-week delay in the presidential election result.Regional leaders are preparing to gather in Zambia to discuss the election issue - a meeting Mr Mugabe has denied snubbing, saying he had "other business" to attend to.Earlier, Gordon Brown warned Mr Mugabe he is "appalled" by developments in the country and that "the international community's patience with the regime is wearing thin".He added: "The Zimbabwean people have demonstrated their commitment to democracy. We, and the leaders of the region, strongly share this commitment."I cannot understand why it is taking so long to announce the result of the presidential elections. I am appalled by the signs that the regime is once again resorting to intimidation and violence."It is expected that African leaders at the summit of the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) will be putting pressure on Mr Mugabe and Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party to issue results from the March 29 vote.State radio said Zimbabwe would send three ministers to the summit instead.Mr Mugabe's decision not to attend was a direct snub to Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa, the SADC chairman, who called the meeting.Mr Mwanawasa last year described Zimbabwe as a "sinking Titanic" before getting back in line behind the body's softly softly approach to Mr Mugabe.Earlier, Deputy Information Minister Bright Matonga had said Harare was not consulted before the summit was called.Zimbabwe police accused the opposition Movement for Democratic Change of "spoiling for a fight" and of deploying 350 youth wing members around the country.Police have banned political rallies amid growing tension over the disputed presidential election.
ITN | April 12, 2008
