Blair calls for 'maximum pressure' on Mugabe

BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair called yesterday for "maximum international pressure" to be maintained on the Mugabe regime in Zimbabwe to restore democracy and human rights in the country.

But he declined to comment on the current tour of England by Zimbabwe's cricket side, which anti-Mugabe campaigners believe should not have been allowed to go ahead.

Mr Blair was speaking following a breakfast meeting at Downing Street with Australian Prime Minister John Howard, who said there was "no question" of Zimbabwe's suspension from the councils of the Commonwealth being lifted unless the country returned to democracy.