**Southern African leaders meeting in the Democratic Republic of Congo have called for the removal of all international sanctions on Zimbabwe.**The call came at the end of a two-day summit of the regional grouping, SADC.
The BBC’s Karen Allen, in Kinshasa, says the statement is being seen as a significant victory for Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe.
He has long wanted an end to sanctions and has accused partners in the unity government of being slow on the issue.
Mr Mugabe and MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai formed the power-sharing cabinet in February to try to end a political crisis following 2008’s disputed elections.
Prime Minister Tsvangirai has maintained that full implementation of the agreement needs to come before any easing of international sanctions.
Speaking after the SADC meeting, South African President Jacob Zuma said there was no reason to attach conditions to the lifting of sanctions.
He said the removal of restrictions was needed to help the process of implementation of the power-sharing agreement.
Human Rights Watch has condemned the SADC position, saying it appeared to reward those who sanctions targeted.