HARARE -- South African President Jacob Zuma appealed for the readmission of Zimbabwe into the Commonwealth during a summit of the grouping of former British colonies held in Trinidad and Tobago, his spokesman Vincent Magwenya said. 

In a statement Magwenya said Zuma told the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting that ended Sunday that accepting Zimbabwe back would show the international community’s support of efforts by the Harare coalition government to deliver economic and political change.

"Zimbabwe's re-admission into the Commonwealth, will serve as a recognition to the progress that has been achieved thus far. Equally, along with the lifting of sanctions, it will represent the international community's support and encouragement to parties to continue the dialogue that will deliver a lasting solution to the challenges facing the country," Magwenya quoted Zuma as having told the summit.

President Robert Mugabe withdrew Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth after the organisation condemned his controversial rule and had voted to maintain Harare’s suspension from the club.

The announcement by Zuma follows an almost similar plea for Harare’s re-admission made by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Thursday last week.

However Brown said more reforms including holding of free and fair elections were critical to ensuring Zimbabwe’s re-engagement with the Commonwealth and the rest of the international community. -- ZimOnline.