G8 foreign ministers worry about Zimbabwe tension

TOKYO - Foreign ministers from the Group of Eight advanced nations expressed "deep concern" on Thursday about rising tension in Zimbabwe, where the results of a March 29 presidential election have yet to be released.

They urged a "speedy, credible and genuinely democratic resolution" to the situation, according to a statement released by this year's G8 host, Japan.

The opposition in Zimbabwe, a former British colony, has accused President Robert Mugabe of trying to steal the election and say he is preparing a violent crackdown.

In their statement, the G8 foreign ministers said they backed a call by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for the quick release of the election results "in accordance with the due process of law".

The ministers also endorsed a call by SADC for verification of the vote in the presence of all candidates or their agents.

"They (the ministers) stress that violence and intimidation must have no place in this process," the statement added.

"G8 Foreign Ministers urge a speedy, credible and genuinely democratic resolution to this situation in accordance with the wishes of the people of Zimbabwe."

Western nations on Wednesday joined the United Nations in urging action to ensure a fair outcome from the elections, but most African countries avoided the issue at a summit of the Security Council and the African Union.