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EU deadlocked with Zimbabwe over election observers [Excerpt] It was not clear what action the government would take if Schori and other barred Europeans traveled widely around the country and visited areas not on regular tourist routes.

The EU has warned Zimbabwe of sanctions unless the elections are free and fair, and unless observers and international journalists are allowed to work unhindered.

Political violence has intensified ahead of the presidential vote in which Mugabe, 77, and his increasingly unpopular ruling party face opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, 49, a charismatic former labor leader. [End Excerpt]

Canadian firm accuses Zimbabwe opposition leader of plotting to kill Mugabe --[Excerpt] A presidential election is scheduled for March 9-10. Tsvangirai poses the greatest challenge to Mugabe's 22-year rule since Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980. Mugabe has become increasingly unpopular amid the collapse of his country's economy and political violence against opposition supporters.

A man representing Tsvangirai's party approached Dicksen & Madson in November, said Ari Ben-Menashe, the firm's president.

The opposition officials appeared unaware the firm had done work for Mugabe's government for "a few years" and believed it had connections to assassins, Ben-Menashe said. It is currently representing the government as lobbyists. [End Excerpt]