The United Nations has called for calm in Zimbabwe following the apparent coup.
The UN Secretary General is urging the country to aim for "democratic governance" at this time of uncertainty.
Nick Harper reports from New York.
IN: "The..."
OUT: SOC
DUR: 2:31
GEN: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1116un-zim-pkg-nh.mp3
The spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he is "closely following developments in Zimbabwe and calls for continued calm".
Stephane Dujarric noted that the Secretary-General "underlines the importance of resolving political differences through peaceful means, including through dialogue and in conformity with the country's Constitution".
SOT - DUJARRIC - The Secretary-General is closely following the developments in Zimbabwe and calls for continued calm. He underlines the importance of resolving political differences through peaceful means, including through dialogue and in conformity with the country's Constitution".
It's the second day running the UN has spoken about the situation. A day earlier, on Wednesday, spokesperson Farhan Haq had very similar comments:
SOT - HAQ - "The secretary-general has been monitoring the evolving situation in Zimbabwe. He appeals for calm, non-violence and restraint. The secretary-general stresses the importance of resolving political differences through peaceful means and dialogue and in line with the country's constitution."
The UN Secretary General has also welcomed the efforts by the Southern African Development Community and is said to be in contact with the African Union and regional leaders.
It's clearly a difficult subject for the UN to deal with. The UN is clear on the position that fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and assembly, must be preserved. But while the UN can urge and suggest a way forward, it does not have the power to directly influence the situation.
Diplomats at the UN have also been following developments closely. The UK Ambassador Matthew Rycroft has called on Zimbabwe to respect safety and security, and he also appealed for calm.
At present the UN Security Council is not scheduled to meet to discuss the situation, but that could change.
As for Robert Mugabe himself, the UN has at times had a checkered relationship with the Zimbabwean President.
Different UN members have differing opinions. The US and the UK for example have accused him of corruption, suppressing political opposition, racial discrimination, and human rights abuses.
Mugabe himself has often lashed back. At the United Nation General Assembly this year he called US President Donald Trump a "Giant Gold Goliath".
Meanwhile, China and Russia, have in the past vetoed sanctions against Zimbabwe. China has been a major trading partner and investor in Zimbabwe.
And just a last month, Mugabe was removed as a World Health Organization goodwill ambassador following criticism that his appointment was a badly judged decision on the part of the UN.
I'm Nick Harper in New York
Nick Harper reports from New York.
IN: "The..."
OUT: SOC
DUR: 2:31
GEN: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1116un-zim-pkg-nh.mp3
The spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he is "closely following developments in Zimbabwe and calls for continued calm".
Stephane Dujarric noted that the Secretary-General "underlines the importance of resolving political differences through peaceful means, including through dialogue and in conformity with the country's Constitution".
SOT - DUJARRIC - The Secretary-General is closely following the developments in Zimbabwe and calls for continued calm. He underlines the importance of resolving political differences through peaceful means, including through dialogue and in conformity with the country's Constitution".
It's the second day running the UN has spoken about the situation. A day earlier, on Wednesday, spokesperson Farhan Haq had very similar comments:
SOT - HAQ - "The secretary-general has been monitoring the evolving situation in Zimbabwe. He appeals for calm, non-violence and restraint. The secretary-general stresses the importance of resolving political differences through peaceful means and dialogue and in line with the country's constitution."
The UN Secretary General has also welcomed the efforts by the Southern African Development Community and is said to be in contact with the African Union and regional leaders.
It's clearly a difficult subject for the UN to deal with. The UN is clear on the position that fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and assembly, must be preserved. But while the UN can urge and suggest a way forward, it does not have the power to directly influence the situation.
Diplomats at the UN have also been following developments closely. The UK Ambassador Matthew Rycroft has called on Zimbabwe to respect safety and security, and he also appealed for calm.
At present the UN Security Council is not scheduled to meet to discuss the situation, but that could change.
As for Robert Mugabe himself, the UN has at times had a checkered relationship with the Zimbabwean President.
Different UN members have differing opinions. The US and the UK for example have accused him of corruption, suppressing political opposition, racial discrimination, and human rights abuses.
Mugabe himself has often lashed back. At the United Nation General Assembly this year he called US President Donald Trump a "Giant Gold Goliath".
Meanwhile, China and Russia, have in the past vetoed sanctions against Zimbabwe. China has been a major trading partner and investor in Zimbabwe.
And just a last month, Mugabe was removed as a World Health Organization goodwill ambassador following criticism that his appointment was a badly judged decision on the part of the UN.
I'm Nick Harper in New York