Zimbabwe's premier ends boycott of unity Cabinet

MAPUTO, Mozambique - Zimbabwe's prime minister ended his boycott of his country's unity Cabinet on Thursday, saying he was relenting to give southern African leaders a chance to resolve the problems besetting the coalition.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai had announced his boycott of the unity government three weeks ago, citing a surge in political violence and accusing longtime President Robert Mugabe of undermining their coalition agreement.

Tsvangirai told reporters he was returning after meeting during a summit in Mozambique's capital with the leaders of Mozambique, Swaziland and Zambia - key members of the 15-member Southern African Development Community. He told reporters after the meeting his return would give the southern African group time to mediate.

Tsvangirai and Mugabe formed their coalition in February at the urging of the Southern African Development Community.

Tsvangirai has stuck with the unity government, saying even when he withdrew Oct. 15 that it was only temporary. He says the coalition is the only way to rescue Zimbabwe from economic ruin and political violence.

Tsvangirai's party has reported a recent surge in political violence, allegations that Mugabe's party denies. Mugabe's ZANU-PF party has accused Tsvangirai's party of not doing enough to persuade Western nations to lift travel and financial sanctions targeted at ZANU-PF leaders and their business allies.