Referendum this year, says Tsvangirai

Zimababwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said he believed the process that led to the creation of a unity government last February is irreversible and that it is time for Western donors and investors to return to the country.

Speaking to journalists at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Tsvangirai said he expects a referendum on a new constitution around October of this year, leading to elections in 2011.

''I believe that the inclusive government process is a process which is irreversible," he said. He stressed that foreign investors should be reassured that the country was not sliding back. ''Certainly the country is moving forward and this is a time to look at the country in a more positive light."

• Political violence has resurfaced in Zimbabwe, with up to 10 families left homeless after their huts were burned down. The violence in Buhera district - Tsvangirai's home district - has been low-key until now.

But police admitted it was getting out of hand, saying a local chief had sounded the alarm about increased political tensions in his area.