[Cincinatus' Wife]

Commonwealth Head Admits Failure Over Zimbabwe *** The Commonwealth is calling for political dialogue, national reconciliation and what it calls genuine land reforms but McKinnon said the grouping had had little success. "It hasn't worked. I've tried to send ministerial missions there -- failed. I've tried to send special envoys there -- failed. I've tried to go there myself -- failed," he said. "I don't know what the answer is but like many things, unless there's a willingness on the (other) party to join in these aspirations, not a lot is going to happen."

The question of Zimbabwe's suspension has split the Commonwealth, which only reluctantly agreed in March 2003 to extend the sanctions until a summit of leaders in the Nigerian capital Abuja in December. "That doesn't mean to say the problem is going to go away. It still has to be dealt with comprehensively at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting," McKinnon said.

The leaders of South Africa, Nigeria and Malawi will travel to Harare next week to urge dialogue between the government and opposition. "They know full well the concerns of Commonwealth countries and Commonwealth leaders. I hope they can have a fruitful and useful discussion with President Mugabe. We not only wish to see commitments to changes but the implementation of changes," said McKinnon. ***

[Cincinatus' Wife]

African leaders to meet with Mugabe *** JOHANNESBURG - President Thabo Mbeki will arrive in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare, today in a last-ditch effort to stop what his government is calling an "economic and political meltdown." Mr. Mbeki, who will be accompanied by Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria and Bakili Muluzi of Malawi, is said to be increasingly frustrated by the turmoil in neighboring Zimbabwe, which has sent more than 10,000 refugees a week flooding across the border.

Aides to Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe insist the visitors' sole task will be to update themselves on "our situation in the context of their protracted mediation efforts between Zimbabwe and Britain," the former colonial power that Mr. Mugabe blames for his problems. Mbeki spokesman Bheki Khumalo took a similar line, insisting there would be no talk in Harare of regime change. But a source in Mr. Mbeki's office told The Washington Times that things are "rapidly coming to a head." "Basically we have a situation where Britain, the United States and most of the Western world do not recognize Mugabe's presidency because they say he rigged last year's election," the official said.***