In a setback for the British government, the European Union has failed to renew sanctions against Robert Mugabe's regime after foreign ministers in Brussels were left divided over planned visits by the Zimbabwean ruler to Europe.

Although the government had strongly argued for the extension of sanctions, which expire next month, agreement proved impossible when France insisted on maintaining its invitation to Mugabe to attend a Franco-African summit in Paris.

France said that an exemption from the travel ban should be made for Mugabe because his presence might lead to a political dialogue which could promote democracy and the rule of law.