12-08-2003, 05:45 AM
<b>Zimbabwe quits Commonwealth</b>
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe says he is pulling his country out of the Commonwealth with immediate effect.
He said he did not accept the decision by Commonwealth leaders at their summit in Abuja, to maintain Zimbabwe's suspension indefinitely.
Commonwealth spokesman Joel Kibazo told the BBC that Mr Mugabe's decision to withdraw was "very disappointing".
Zimbabwe's fate has dominated the summit and number of leaders are deeply unhappy with the outcome.
Zimbabwe was suspended from the Commonwealth last year after an election widely seen as flawed.
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe says he is pulling his country out of the Commonwealth with immediate effect.
He said he did not accept the decision by Commonwealth leaders at their summit in Abuja, to maintain Zimbabwe's suspension indefinitely.
Commonwealth spokesman Joel Kibazo told the BBC that Mr Mugabe's decision to withdraw was "very disappointing".
Zimbabwe's fate has dominated the summit and number of leaders are deeply unhappy with the outcome.
Zimbabwe was suspended from the Commonwealth last year after an election widely seen as flawed.