Mugabe rival leaves Dutch embassy

01/07/2008| IslamWeb

Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has left the Dutch embassy in Harare, where he took refuge last week, a Dutch official has said.

A Dutch foreign ministry official said Mr Tsvangirai had decided the situation was calm enough for him to return home.

Mr Tsvangirai went to the embassy fearing for his safety, after pulling out of last Friday's presidential run-off because of election violence.

President Robert Mugabe claimed victory in the vote.

Mr Tsvangirai's party say he won the presidential election outright in March, but government officials said he did not secure enough votes to avoid a run-off.

The election has been widely criticised by Western leaders as not being free or fair.

Mr Mugabe is expected to address an African Union summit in the Egyptian resort Sharm el-Sheikh on Tuesday.

African leaders attending the summit have faced growing pressure to take a strong stand against Mr Mugabe.

PHOTO CAPTION

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai touches his head during a news conference at his home in Harare, June 27, 2008.(Reuters)

BBC