Carter group refused Zimbabwe visa
Updated on 22 November 2008
Former US president Jimmy Carter is among a group of key figures who have been barred from visiting Zimbabwe.
UN secretary general Kofi Annan and Nelson Mandela's wife, Graca Machel - who along with Carter form a group called The Elders - were denied travel visas to Zimbabwe, despite the intervention of former South African president Thabo Mbeki.
Annan said in a press briefing: "We had hoped to go to Zimbabwe this morning but we had to cancel because the government has made it clear they will not co-operate."
Carter added: "Our purpose in coming here was never to be involved in the political issues that have been so controversial in the establishment of a new government in Zimbabwe, but only to help with the humanitarian issue and we will continue to do that."
A statement by The Elders said they would stay in South Africa to gather more information on the situation in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries.
They will also speak to humanitarian agency representatives, civil groups, businesses and officials from the country.
A September 15 power-sharing agreement facilitated by Mbeki had raised hopes that a new leadership would get on with the task of rescuing Zimbabwe's ruined economy.
But a stalemate over the allocation of key ministries in the new government has stalled a final agreement.
© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.
These news feeds are provided by an independent third party and Channel 4 is not responsible or liable to you for the same.
