South Africa vetoes Zimbabwe Commonwealth deal

Tony Blair’s attempts to keep Zimbabwe suspended from the British Commonwealth were dealt a fresh blow today when a summit deal collapsed.

The British Prime Minister said there was no “possible justification” for lifting the ban on Robert Mugabe’s regime.

But South African President Thabo Mbeki vetoed a compromise that would have kept the suspension in place.

Mr Blair was staying on longer than expected at the Nigerian summit in a bid to win over Mbeki, who was thought to have the backing of another 10 African leaders.

Earlier, he said: “I don’t think anyone could see any possible justification for lifting the suspension now.

“Whatever threats Zimbabwe makes I think people should treat them as they deserve to be treated.”

A deal had seemed within sight when a six-strong committee charged with hammering out a solution began drafting proposals last night.

However there seemed to be little common ground when the group broke up without agreement this morning.

Mr Mbeki did not appear to accept that the suspension should remain in place, Mr Blair’s official spokesman said.