Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai says there is no possibility right now for talks with President Robert Mugabe.
Mr. Tsvangirai told reporters (Tuesday) the conditions for talks do not exist in light of what he calls government-sponsored violence against opposition activists. Mr. Tsvangirai and Mr. Mugabe had already rejected calls for negotiating a national unity government.
Meanwhile, a panel of Commonwealth leaders is meeting in London (Tuesday) to discuss possible sanctions on Zimbabwe in the wake of this month's violence-marred presidential election. The three-member panel includes Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria and Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, as well as Australian Prime Minister John Howard.
Possible sanctions against Zimbabwe range from a rebuke to suspension from the 54-country organization. However, it is not clear the panel will recommend any action against Mr. Mugabe's government.
On Monday the Nigerian and South African leaders met separately in Zimbabwe with Mr. Mugabe and Mr. Tsvangirai to recommend unity talks.
(Reuters, AFP, prev.)