Zimbabwe remains out in the cold

BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair's call for Zimbabwe to remain suspended from the Commonwealth was finally heeded by fellow leaders last night after days of wrangling.

An 11th-hour deal left Robert Mugabe suspended from the 54-nation group indefinitely after it was adopted at the summit in Nigeria.

It came in time to save the blushes of the prime minister who was leaving early for personal reasons despite leading the push for a hardline stance. Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Commonwealth Secretary General Don McKinnon will keep Zimbabwe's status under review.

A Downing Street spokesman said: The Commonwealth maintained its unity in keeping up the pressure on Zimbabwe to follow the fundamental principles of the Commonwealth."

Mr Blair had hoped for a swift agreement at the opening session in the capital Abuja on Friday. But the issue blew up into a damaging row that dominated the gathering and was only settled after he offered to delay his early departure.

South African President Thabo Mbeki led calls for Zimbabwe to be brought back into the fold. He was backed by about 10 other African leaders.

However, Mr Blair insisted: "I don't think anyone could see any possible justification for lifting the suspension now."

The summit was overshadowed by the issue.