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Page last updated at 16:37 GMT, Monday, 13 July 2009 17:37 UK

Mugabe supporters disrupt constitution talks

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Supporters of Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe have disrupted a conference to draw up a new constitution, setting off scuffles with supporters of former opposition leader, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, before the meeting collapsed in disarray.

Parliament Speaker Lovemore Moyo, a member of Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), began his opening remarks when President Mugabe did not arrive at the meeting on time.

But events came to a standstill when supporters of Mugabe's Zanu-PF party sang and danced in the auditorium as the speaker tried to deliver his address.

Moyo was forced to withdraw.

Under Zimbabwe's unity government formed in February, a new constitution must be drawn up ahead of new elections within two years.

Mugabe has long resisted constitutional reforms, which might loosen his grip on the country he has ruled for nearly three decades.

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