Pretoria - Political parties in Zimbabwe need to find a solution for the situation in that country under the guidance of the African Union (AU), South Africa's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Aziz Pahad said Friday. The AU at its summit on Tuesday adopted a resolution calling for a unity government in Zimbabwe and urging its controversially re- elected President Robert Mugabe to enter into talks with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.
"The African Union calls on Zimbabwe to discuss the way forward," Pahad told journalists at a briefing in Pretoria.
"It is up to Zimbabwe to take immediate steps to stop the violence. If they do not stop it, we will take action, whatever action is possible to stop it," he added.
The much-criticized AU summit resolution had followed extensive discussion of the "urgent" problem of Zimbabwe before it was decided that the only solution would be a government of national unity, he said.
Further pressure from the AU and international communities could only impede efforts to bring about peace and stability in Zimbabwe, Pahad said.
The AU summit also sanctioned ongoing efforts by South African President Thabo Mbeki on behalf of the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Mbeki is under constant fire for failing to take a firm stance against Mugabe.
