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African leaders in Zimbabwe talks African leaders in Zimbabwe talks
(10 minutes later)
A summit of southern African countries is due to get under way in Tanzania, with the crisis in Zimbabwe at the top of its agenda.A summit of southern African countries is due to get under way in Tanzania, with the crisis in Zimbabwe at the top of its agenda.
Diplomats say leaders will tell Robert Mugabe that he should not stand for re-election in Zimbabwe next year.Diplomats say leaders will tell Robert Mugabe that he should not stand for re-election in Zimbabwe next year.
The meeting comes a day after police in Zimbabwe detained opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai for a few hours.The meeting comes a day after police in Zimbabwe detained opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai for a few hours.
Police denied Mr Tsvangirai was among those arrested when they raided the offices of his opposition party.Police denied Mr Tsvangirai was among those arrested when they raided the offices of his opposition party.
Police cordoned off the headquarters of the Movement for Democratic Change ahead of a planned news conference by Mr Tsvangirai.Police cordoned off the headquarters of the Movement for Democratic Change ahead of a planned news conference by Mr Tsvangirai.
He had been expected to talk about the political violence in the country. Earlier this month he was allegedly beaten in police custody following his arrest at a banned rally.He had been expected to talk about the political violence in the country. Earlier this month he was allegedly beaten in police custody following his arrest at a banned rally.
The BBC's Peter Greste, in the Tanzanian capital Dar es Salaam, says the language at the summit is probably going to be fiery. International criticism
The summit brings together the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Talks are also expected to address recent violence in the capital of DR Congo, Kinshasa.
Mugabe's hold over Africa Media urges pressure The BBC's Peter Greste, in the Tanzanian capital, Dar es Salaam, says the language at the summit is probably going to be fiery.
Zimbabwe's president will be told in very plain terms, diplomats say, that the region cannot afford to see the situation continue, let alone deteriorate into a civil war that could engulf them all.Zimbabwe's president will be told in very plain terms, diplomats say, that the region cannot afford to see the situation continue, let alone deteriorate into a civil war that could engulf them all.
Mr Mugabe has dismissed such complaints from the West in the past and might find it much harder to ignore those from his neighbours, our correspondent adds.Mr Mugabe has dismissed such complaints from the West in the past and might find it much harder to ignore those from his neighbours, our correspondent adds.
International criticism As Mr Mugabe arrived in Tanzania on Wednesday night, the US state department expressed concern about Mr Tsvangirai and urged the SADC summit to hold Mr Mugabe to account "for his misrule, not only over the last few weeks but over the last few years".
The summit brings together the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC). Talks are also expected to address recent violence in the capital of DR Congo, Kinshasa.
Mugabe's hold over Africa Media urges pressure As Robert Mugabe arrived in Tanzania on Wednesday night, the US state department expressed concern about Mr Tsvangirai and urged the SADC summit to hold Mr Mugabe to account "for his misrule, not only over the last few weeks but over the last few years".
The beatings of opposition activists earlier this month drew international condemnation, but Mr Mugabe has blamed the opposition, accusing it of a campaign of violence.The beatings of opposition activists earlier this month drew international condemnation, but Mr Mugabe has blamed the opposition, accusing it of a campaign of violence.
He has dismissed complaints from the West about human rights abuses and political oppression as the whining of old colonists.He has dismissed complaints from the West about human rights abuses and political oppression as the whining of old colonists.
In addition to the political conflict, Zimbabweans are grappling with the world's highest inflation - 1,700% a year - while unemployment and poverty are widespread.In addition to the political conflict, Zimbabweans are grappling with the world's highest inflation - 1,700% a year - while unemployment and poverty are widespread.
On Wednesday, a group of six leaders held a special session to discuss a way forward. They are expected to put proposals to the full meeting on Thursday.
Mr Mugabe has governed Zimbabwe since its independence in 1980. His term in office ends next year but he has indicated he might run again.Mr Mugabe has governed Zimbabwe since its independence in 1980. His term in office ends next year but he has indicated he might run again.