Burkina Faso's President Blaise Compaore has called on Thabo Mbeki
to remain a mediator in power-sharing talks in Zimbabwe despite his
ouster from the South African presidency.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has already urged
Mbeki, who was replaced as president of his country on Thursday, to
remain as official mediator in the deal between Zimbabwean President
Robert Mugabe and his opposition rivals.
"The peace negotiations in Zimbabwe can continue as normal according
to what we have learned from the SADC (Southern African Development
Community)," Compaore told state television late Saturday.
"Now president Mbeki, who initiated it and held the talks with great
expertise, should be able to continue to support this initiative
outside the South African presidency," he said.
Mbeki's ouster came a week after he brokered the signing of an
accord between Zimbabwe's veteran leader Mugabe, 84, and his opposition
rivals Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara.
The three political rivals agreed to form an all-inclusive
government, but discussions stalled last week over the distribution of
key ministries.