Wolff said the United States and some other council members voiced support for the idea but there were others who "think the situation deserves more time and ultimately it is up to the Zimbabwean people to resolve themselves."

Wolff said the UN Security Council may need to hold an open meeting to further discuss the issue. But he did not specify a date nor elaborate.

Wolff's British counterpart, Karen Pierce, echoed his call for increased UN engagement, saying that Britain "supports the use of the secretary-general's good offices in support of the SADC and the AU."

She said Britain expects the election results to be published fully by Thursday, and if they are not, Britain may have to consider this "important factor" with "like-minded" members on the Security Council.

(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2008)