WINDHOEK (Reuters):

Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa urged southern Africa to take a new approach to Zimbabwe, which he likened to a "sinking Titanic" as millions flee economic and political turmoil.

In one of the strongest African comments on Zimbabwe's political and economic crisis, Mwanawasa said the Southern African Development Community (SADC) had failed to achieve much in negotiations with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.

"Quiet diplomacy has failed to help solve the political chaos and economic meltdown in Zimbabwe," Mwanawasa said late on Tuesday in neighbouring Namibia.

"As I speak right now, one SADC country has sunk into such economic difficulties that it may be likened to a sinking Titanic whose passengers are jumping out in a bid to save their lives."

Zambian government newspapers said Mwanawasa had suggested SADC "would soon take a stand" on Zimbabwe. The regional grouping is due to meet in Tanzania next week to discuss the situation in the country.

Twist of events

Mwanawasa has stood virtually alone among southern African leaders in his willingness to criticise Mugabe, regarded by many as a liberation hero, but condemned in the West for abrutal crackdown onopposition supporters and an economic crisis.

"Zambia has so far been an advocate of quiet diplomacy and continues to believe in it. But the twist of events in the troubled country necessitates the adoption of a new approach," Mwanawasa said.

URGENT SOLUTION

"The ministers of foreign affairs will in the next few days meet over this matter," Mwanawasa was quoted as saying by Zambian government newspapers, adding regional leaders would then meet to discuss the situation.

Members of SADC's peace and security organisation are due to meet in Dar es Salaam on Monday and Tuesday. Tanzania, Namibia and Lesotho have been named as a "troika" to spearhead the bloc's relations with Zimbabwe.

The SADC council of non-governmental organisations also said it was time for the group to act.