Zimbabwe's government has launched three days of national reconciliation. Standing alongside Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, President Robert Mugabe called for tolerance, respect, non-violence and dialogue.

Zimbabwe experienced months of deadly disturbances following last year's disputed elections. Rights groups are sceptical about the event's declared purpose, pointing out that pro-Mugabe elements in the government continue to use violence and violate human rights. President Mugabe's ZANU-PF militias have been accused of murdering several hundred opposition members over the past year alone. None of the accused have so far been brought to trial.