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Zimbabwe unity govt call from AU

02/07/2008

African leaders have demanded a unity government be formed in Zimbabwe following Robert Mugabe's re-election as president.

After a two-day summit the African Union (AU) called on Mr Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai to begin new talks.

Mr Mugabe was the only candidate in Friday's presidential runoff after Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Mr Tsvangirai pulled out of the vote amid rising violence targeting his supporters.

The international community has been united in its condemnation of Mr Mugabe and his re-election, with the European Union yesterday saying it would only accept a Zimbabwe led by Mr Tsvangirai who won the initial vote in March.

Mr Mugabe, who was present when the motion was passed, has since welcomed the unity government call.

Information minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu's comments to the AFP news agency go against earlier remarks claiming Zimbabwe was not interested in following the Kenyan model of adopting a unity government to end politically-motivated violence.

"Government is ready for dialogue with whoever," Mr Ndlovu said.

South African president Thabo Mbeki has already called on the international community to allow Zimbabwe to solve its own problems.

"The result that comes out of that process of dialogue must be a result that is agreed by the Zimbabweans," the regional mediator told South African radio.