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Harare: Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai sought refuge overnight in the Dutch embassy, officials said on Monday.
There was no immediate confirmation from Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change.
Tsvangirai pulled out of the June 27 presidential election because of violence that has killed nearly 90 of his supporters.
The Dutch foreign ministry said he had not requested asylum but was welcome to stay for his own security.
Earlier the MDC said police raided its Harare headquarters and took away more than 60 victims of the violence. The group said women and children were among those held.
On Monday, Tsvangirai said he was ready to negotiate with President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party, but only if the violence stopped.
Meanwhile, international powers raised alarm over Tsvangirai pulling out of the presidential race. Top diplomat Jean Ping called the matter a “grave concern”.
Zimbabwe’s ruling government says it will not accept Tsvangirai’s withdrawal from the election unless it is submitted in writing.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon deemed Tsvangirai's decision "deeply distressing development" and called for an end to the "campaign of violence".
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