Mbeki urges Zimbabwe talks

In a major display of reconciliation rhetoric, the South African President, Thabo Mbeki, yesterday urged Robert Mugabe to solve the land issue in consultation with his country's white community.

The speech, at a poorly attended international trade fair, placed the South African leader at the centre of moves to resolve a three-month-old crisis which is affecting all neighbouring countries. So skilful was Mr Mbeki's speech that it was greeted with enthusiasm by the Zimbabwean President.

Countering both Mr Mugabe's aggressive stance in the face of political opposition and his isolationist approach, Mr Mbeki said: "As peoples who have shared the same trenches in the common struggle for freedom, it is natural that we must work together to build on the victory of the anti-colonial and anti-racist struggle."

The speech marked the first time President Mbeki has clearly outlined his approach to end the political violence which has claimed at least 18 lives. Britain and the international community, including the Commonwealth, has roundly condemned the invasion of white-owned farms and attacks on opposition activists, which have occurred ahead of parliamentary elections due by August at the latest.

Referring to the fact that, if President Mugabe repossesses land by force, international donors will not give him the resources to buy tractors and fertilisers, Mr Mbeki said: "Land redistribution imposes the obligation to ensure that land is used productively."