Zimbabwe crisis 'being addressed'

"There are political problems in Zimbabwe that need to be solved... we are indeed engaged in that process," Thabo Mbeki said at a press conference.

The South African president is often criticised for his approach to dealing with the political crisis in Zimbabwe.

Mr Mbeki also thanked Tony Blair, who leaves office soon, for making Africa a priority during his premiership.

Up to three million Zimbabweans are thought to have fled to South Africa, amid a worsening economic and political crisis.

Mr Mbeki has been appointed by leaders of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) to mediate between Zimbabwe's governing Zanu-PF party, and the opposition in the hope that free and fair elections can be held next year.

'Two-pronged approach'

Mr Mbeki refuses to criticise Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe in public, preferring "quiet diplomacy".

"In the end the solutions to Africa's problems come from within Africa"
UK PM Tony Blair

Blair's African legacy

But he admitted after talks with Mr Blair that the country had "political problems".

Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change often accuses the police of harassing its members and in March its leader was badly beaten.

As well as organising political talks in Zimbabwe, Mr Mbeki said work was also taking place to find ways of improving Zimbabwe's economy.

"It's that two-pronged approach which seeks a solution to these two political matters. Indeed I did brief the prime minister about this and that's the way we are going," he said.

"And I must add to that that the Sadc region - southern Africa - will of course report regularly to the African Union about the matter, as to how far we're progressing."

Mr Blair, who is ending his farewell tour of Africa, said he supported Mr Mbeki's efforts.

"In the end the solutions to Africa's problems come from within Africa.... In the end, Africa wants to take responsibility for its own destiny and future," he said.

Mr Mbeki commended his British counterpart for his support for peace processes on the continent.

"Funds that you've put into the capacity of the African Union, to address the peace and security challenges on the continent, support for the African mission in Sudan with regards to Darfur and so on. It really has helped," he said.

Mr Blair has hit back at accusations of a "vanity tour", calling UK critics "cynical".

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