UK halts Zimbabwe deportations

Many opposition supporters have been attacked

LONDON, England -- Britain has temporarily halted the deportation of asylum-seekers to Zimbabwe after Home Secretary David Blunkett called for a review of the situation.

The move comes amid international concern for supporters of Zimbabwe's opposition politicians, after President Robert Mugabe introduced tough laws against them in the run-up to elections in March.

A spokesman for the UK Home Office said no-one had been deported on Monday, and the ban would remain for 24 hours while an assessment was carried out.

Blunkett disclosed the decision at a cross-party meeting with his Conservative counterpart Oliver Letwin, who hailed the move as "a victory for common sense."

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The Refugee Council, which has been campaigning for a suspension of deportations, also welcomed the development.

Chief executive Nick Hardwick said: "There is a real possibility that this will save lives."

With the tacit support of the government, militants have invaded hundreds of white-owned farms since early 2000.

Mugabe has called their actions a justified response to the legacy of inequitable land ownership left by colonial rule.

Observers say Mugabe has cracked down on dissent through legislation and government-sanctioned violence.

He is also backing a bill that would ban foreign journalists from working in the country and require local journalists to register with the government or face up to two years in jail.

A spokesman for UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said an "updated country assessment" of the situation in Zimbabwe would be issued to immigration officials shortly.

"We do have concerns in relation to the position there and that is obviously being monitored very closely," he added.

Growing violence in the country has been condemned by Western governments.

The United States has imposed sanctions and the European Union is threatening to do the same.

On Monday, Mugabe pledged to ensure upcoming presidential elections were free and fair, and agreed to allow international observers and journalists to observe them.

His reassurances were contained in a declaration issued at the end of a one-day summit of southern African leaders in nearby Malawi.