The US ambassador to Zimbabwe has said he believes that the country has reached a turning point, following violence against opposition activists by the country's security forces.
Christopher Dell said people were now no longer afraid of the regime led by President Robert Mugabe.
Mr Dell said there were indications that rank and file police officers were beginning to distance themselves from acts of violence.
He also said that Mr Mugabe was beginning to lose the support of governments in neighbouring countries in southern Africa.
