The African Union has adopted a resolution calling for a national unity government to resolve Zimbabwe's election crisis.

The AU summit is attempting to overcome divisions on how to deal with the re-election of the Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, in a poll condemned around the world.

The resolution backed the "creation of a government of national unity" and encouraged both sides to live up to pledges to start dialogue to promote peace and stability.

It also recommended that mediation efforts by the regional Southern African Development Community be continued, and urged all parties to refrain from action that "may negatively impact on the climate of dialogue".

Before the resolution announcement Mr Mugabe's spokesman, George Charamba, rejected suggestions that Zimbabwe should follow the example of Kenya - where political violence was defused by the creation of a national unity government.

Mr Charamba said: "We have our own history of evolving dialogue and resolving political impasses the Zimbabwean way, the Zimbabwean way, not the Kenyan way. Not at all."

He also told reporters in Sharm el-Sheikh that the West had no basis to voice opinions on the crisis - and could "go hang a thousand times".

A farmers' union has claimed armed groups attacked and seriously wounded at least three white farmers in Zimbabwe after last Friday's run-off presidential election.

Zimbabwe's Commercial Farmers' Union (CFU) said the farmers were abducted, assaulted and thrown off a moving vehicle in Chegutu district, 62 miles west of the capital Harare.

The attacks were allegedly aimed at a group of farmers who successfully challenged Mr Mugabe's attempt to acquire their properties at a regional tribunal.

The three injured farmers were named as Michael and Angela Campbell, who led the legal challenge, and Ben Freeth who was also associated with it.

The FCU said: "Mrs Campbell sustained two broken arms as well as serious head injuries. Mr Campbell also has serious head injuries as well as a broken collar bone, while Mr Freeth sustained serious head injuries and it is feared he may lose an eye."

The run-off vote was won by Mr Mugabe, the only candidate, after MDC leader Mr Tsvangirai withdrew, saying nearly 90 opposition supporters had been killed by Mr Mugabe's supporters.

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