Miliband called for tough UN sanctions against Zimbabwe [EPA]

The British government has rejected any power-sharing deal in the setting up of a new government in Zimbabwe if it means keeping Robert Mugabe as president.

David Miliband, the British foreign minister, arrived in South Africa on Sunday for mediation talks, blaming Mugabe for the crisis which he says was "infecting the whole of southern Africa".

Stating that Mugabe's government had no legitimacy, he called for a transitional government to reflect the results of the March 29 presidential elections, which was won by the opposition.

Calling for international sanctions against Mugabe, Miliband urged South Africa and the rest of the international community to "unite behind a tough, strong, clear [UN] security council resolution".

Mugabe claimed victory in June's presidential election run-off after his opponent, Morgan Tsavangirai, who heads the Movement for Democratic Change, pulled out of the race following widespread reports of violence and intimidation.

UK criticised

But back in London, refugee groups criticised the British government for threatening to send 11,000 refugees back to Zimbabwe after refusing their applications for asylum, cutting off financial help and denying them jobs.

But refugee groups say letters were sent to hundreds of Zimbabwean asylum-seekers asking them to leave the UK.

Zimbabwe's political conflict has forced thousands to seek refuge in neighbouring African nations or at foreign embassies in the capital, Harare.

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