Zimbabwe tries to dismiss Mandela's attack

Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe today dismissed criticism of his regime from Nelson Mandela.

Information Minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu said Mr Mandela was only bowing to Western pressure when he referred to a “failure of leadership” in Zimbabwe. Mr Mandela made the comments yesterday during his visit to Britain.

Mr Ndlovu said he condemned the West for pressuring African leaders, not Mandela.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said he appreciated what he called the solidarity from Mr Mandela, adding: “It is something we cherish.”

Although former South African president Mr Mandela has been out of office for nearly a decade, he a remains a commanding and respected figure, though Mugabe is said to regard him as a Western puppet.

Mandela uses his influence sparingly, and it is particularly rare for him to differ publicly differ with South Africa's current president, Thabo Mbeki.

Meanwhile Mr Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change party said its no.2 Tendai Biti was released from jail on bail.

He has been held since he flying back into Zimbabwe from South Africa on June 12 and being charged with treason, which carries the death penalty. He was also charged with publishing false statements and insulting the president, plus another charge related to interfering with the military.

An MDC spokesman said a judge had granted Mr Biti bail.

Mr Tsvangirai yesterday called for talks on forming a transitional authority but said Mr Biti would have to be released before negotiations could begin.