Bucharest: The White House said on Friday it was "troubled" by reports of arrests in Zimbabwe.

The White House also called for a swift resolution of the post-election situation after President Robert Mugabe's party lost control of parliament.

"We're troubled by the reports we're hearing," said White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe. "Journalists and NGOs should be permitted to go about their business."

"The people of Zimbabwe need a resolution soon to the electoral situation and the will of the people must be respected," he added.