There has been more violence directed against white farmers in Zimbabwe. Two homesteads were reported to have been torched by war veterans who have been occupying farms. President Robert Mugabe has said there would be no early end to the occupation of white-owned farms by veterans of the country's independence war. Speaking after meeting representatives of both sides, Mr Mugabe said the veterans would not withdraw until farmers made clear what land they intended to hand over. However, the war veterans said there would be an end to hostilities pending further negotiations with the union representing white farmers.
Zimbabwe has said Mr Mugabe will hold meetings tomorrow with the leaders of South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique on the country's deepening crisis over invasions of white-owned farms. Mr Mugabe will host the regional talks at the resort, Victoria Falls. Farmers said there were no new reports of land invasions by black war veterans. However many members of the farmers' union reported attacks on black farm workers following yesterday's failed talks between the government, farm owners and squatters.
The international community has again called on the Zimbabwean government to respect the rule of law but says the dispute is an internal one. The American Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Susan Rice, has said there is little that can be done externally to end the crisis.
