Merkel in Southafrica - Journal (english) 10.05.2007 18:00 UTC

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been holding talks Friday in Pretoria with South African President Thabo Mbeki. Merkel described the political and economic situation in neighbouring Zimbabwe as quote - "disasterous". Merkel arrived in Pretoria on Friday after meeting with African Union leaders in Ethiopia, where she called for greater tolerance of political opposition. Pretoria is the second stop on the German leader's five-day tour of the continent.