G8 ministers voice concern about Zimbabwe

KYOTO, Japan, June 27 (UPI) -- Foreign ministers attending the Group of Eight meeting in Japan voiced their concern Friday about the violence- and intimidation-marred election in Zimbabwe.

"G8 foreign ministers reiterated their grave concern about the situation in Zimbabwe," the organization said in a statement. "We strongly urge the Zimbabwean authorities to work with the opposition to achieve a prompt, peaceful resolution of the crisis in accordance with the democratic wishes of the Zimbabwean people."

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband called the election "a sham," the Financial Times reported.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is the only candidate after the departure of Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who cited government-sanctioned violence against his supporters for his withdrawal.

G8 ministers also discussed the importance of verifying North Korea's nuclear program documentation submitted Thursday to China.

"We reached consensus that what is important is to conduct thorough verification so that this will lead us to the final goal of abolition of (North Korea's) nuclear weapons and programs," said Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura.

Ministers meeting in Kyoto also conferred on strengthening international aid efforts in the violent Afghanistan-Pakistan border area, calling on the two countries to open discussions about the situation.