Zimbabwe opposition chief won't join gov't

HARARE, Zimbabwe, July 2 (UPI) -- Zimbabwe's opposition leader said Wednesday he will not join a government headed by President Robert Mugabe, who used violence and torture to win re-election.

Morgan Tsvangirai spoke at his home in Harare, the capital. He said no meaningful discussions will begin until the African Union appoints a new mediator to oversee the peace process, The Washington Post reported.

Tsvangirai has rejected South African President Thabo Mbeki as a mediator in negotiations, saying Mbeki favors the incumbent.

The opposition leader said nine more deaths had occurred since last Friday's sham election.

Tsvangirai said he won an earlier election, but officials said there would have to be a runoff since no candidate had more than half of the vote. He withdrew from the runoff following threats and killings by Mugabe supporters.