South African leader Jacob Zuma met Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe today in a fresh bid to resolve a decade-long political crisis that has contributed to economic ruin in the country.
Mr Mugabe and his old rival Morgan Tsvangirai formed a unity government last year to end a stalemate over disputed elections, which has managed to stabilise the economy after 10 years of contraction.
But constant bickering within the fragile alliance over policy and the slow pace of reforms have held back progress, and have also stood in the way of fresh elections.
Mr Zuma, appointed to mediate in the crisis by regional grouping SADC, met with Mr Mugabe today, and was scheduled to hold talks with Mr Tsvangirai.
Asked how his meeting with Mr Zuma had gone, Mr Mugabe said briefly: "It went very well as usual."
Western donors have held back aid essential aid to help rebuild the country, saying Mr Mugabe must first put in place implement concrete human rights and democratic reforms.
Zimbabwe's former colonial ruler Britain rebuffed a call by Mr Zuma earlier this month to end targeted sanctions on Mr Mugabe and his allies.
Reuters