Crisis

Zimbabwe crisis looms over Africa summit

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe arrived at an African Union summit in Egypt on Monday, a day after he won a sixth term in a widely discredited runoff election.

The 53 countries attending the two-day summit in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh are expected to discuss ways to resolve Zimbabwe's political crisis, although the meeting was originally scheduled to discuss other matters.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice wants international action against Mugabe's government, including U.N.-authorized sanctions.

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown Monday urged the African Union not to accept the election result, The Associated Press reported, saying it needs to "make it absolutely clear that there has got to be change."

Bernard Kouchner, France's foreign minister, added his country's condemnation, saying that the result was a "criminal electoral comedy" and that the government was "illegitimate," the agency also reported.

But African leaders are divided on the right approach.

Some have been outspoken in their condemnation, with Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga saying he does not want Mugabe recognized as the legitimate head of state in Zimbabwe.

Others, like South African President Thabo Mbeki, have taken a softer approach.

Mbeki has said that a more conciliatory stance will allow for a settlement -- such as the formation of a coalition government.

Kenya reached a similar power-sharing agreement this year after a disputed presidential election that ended in bloodshed.

Mugabe -- Zimbabwe's only leader since its independence from Britain in 1980 -- overwhelmingly won last Friday's runoff elections, but he ran as the only candidate.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai pulled out, citing political violence and intimidation. And international observers said the balloting was marred by threats to voters.

Following his oath of office Sunday, Mugabe indicated that he would be open to talks with the opposition.

"It is my hope that sooner rather than later we shall as diverse political parties hold consultations towards such serious dialogue (that) will minimize our differences and enhance the areas of unity and cooperation between us," he said in a speech.

Mugabe said he intends to challenge African leaders at the African Union summit over their condemnation.

"I would like some leaders who are making these statements to point out at me and we would see if these fingers would be cleaner than mine," Mugabe said this week, according to the state-run The Herald newspaper of Zimbabwe. "Some African countries have done worse things."

(Published by CNN News - june 30, 2008)