G8 expresses concern over Zimbabwe

Tokyo: Foreign ministers from the Group of Eight nations have expressed “deep concern'' about the rising tensions in Zimbabwe, where results of the country's presidential elections have not yet been released.

In a statement the G8 urged a "speedy, credible and genuinely democratic resolution" to the crisis.

G8 foreign ministers said they backed a call by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for the quick release of the election results "in accordance with the due process of law."

The opposition MDC had called for strike action earlier this week. It received a muted response but led to the arrest of at least 50 opposition supporters.