US president George Bush led tributes to Zambia’s President Levy Mwanawasa, who broke the African tradition of silence and solidarity among leaders to denounce neighbouring Zimbabwe’s economic ruin.

Almost €3m in funding is to be awarded to a United Nations body working for human rights, it emerged today.

ZIMBABWE President Robert Mugabe yesterday said it would be "foolhardy" for him to step down after winning a new term in office just months ago, rejecting reports that he planned to make way for a new leadership.

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe today denied reports he was considering quitting as part of a deal to end his nation’s political crisis.