afrol News, 3 July - Botswana government has denied alleged media reports that Botswana has closed its border with Zimbabwe, saying such were unsubstantiated and only meant to sow confusion in the region.

A statement released from office of the President followed a series of reports that Botswana government has closed down its border with Zimbabwe in a bid to break ties with the country and also to denounce widely condemned President Robert Mugabe's victory.

Botswana reassured the public that reports of the closure of the border are unfounded and lacked substance. "Botswana has neither severed ties with Zimbabwe, nor taken any steps to disrupt normal cross-border relations," said government statement.

Earlier this week, Botswana has called for the suspension of Zimbabwe from African Union and Southern African Development Community meetings saying President Robert Mugabe's attendance stamps legitimacy over his victory.

Botswana is habouring a number of Zimbabwean refugees since its neighbour's artificial economic crisis took toll. Having played a number of mediatory role in regional conflicts, it was not surprising for the country to be one of the first from SADC region to outrightly hit on Mr Mugabe at AU meeting.

Mr Tsvangirai yesterday rejected calls by AU to form government of national unity with Mr Mugabe, saying such government would not end Zimbabwe's political and economic crisis.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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