The veteran African statesman, Julius Nyerere, is trying to mediate a deal for the release of the detained Zambian opposition leader, Kenneth Kaunda, under which Mr Kaunda would agree to retire from active politics.

Mr Nyerere, a former president of Tanzania, has visited Mr Kaunda at a maximum security prison after having talks earlier with the Zambian president, Frederick Chiluba.

Aides close to Mr Nyerere say a deal is imminent.

But Mr Kaunda's son, Major Wezi Kaunda, has decribed the proposed deal as blackmail and said his father would never agree to it.

Julius Nyerere has called for Mr Kaunda's release

Mr Nyerere is in Zambia on behalf of countries in the region concerned over the arrest of Mr Kaunda in connection with a failed coup attempt in October.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

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