Archbishop Desmond Tutu said Zimbabwe has become "a hell on earth" but expressed optimism that with the right support the country's national unity government could succeed.

Speaking at a literary festival in Wales late Thursday, Tutu said that genuine change could only come to Zimbabwe at the next election.

"The situation there has been dire, it's a horrendous situation and it's in many ways still an unbelievable country with so much potential.

"How could such a beautiful country in a few short years be changed into hell on earth?," he said.

"But now we have got what may be the best chance of salvaging and helping Zimbabwe return to her former glory in this government of national unity."

The Nobel Peace laureate and South African anti-apartheid hero said he doubted that President Robert Mugabe would ever heed calls to stand down.

When a Zimbabwean member of the audience at the Hay-on-Wye Festival asked whether he personally could intervene to persuade Mugabe to stand down, Tutu said: "I doubt he would want to hear from me. I'm that little bitter bishop. I'm sad for his country, but I'm hopeful."

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said recently that the departure of Mugabe would be in "the best interests of everyone".

Sapa

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