UN says talks about Zim agreement is premature

A senior United Nations official says it is far too premature to talk about a UN plan that would involve the departure of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. UN under-secretary general for political affairs Ibrahim Gambari made the remarks as President Thabo Mbeki expressed backing for a planned visit to Zimbabwe by UN chief Kofi Annan, who wants to negotiate a deal with Mugabe. Gambari and Mbeki held a media conference in London on Wednesday, flanked by British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The Mail & Guardian quotes Mbeki as saying the negotiation process with Mugabe would not be helped by speculation about what the outcome ought to be.