Johannesburg  - Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was canvassing for support for his bid to lead the country Thursday as the European Union sounded the alarm over ongoing political violence in the southern African country.

Tsvangirai was in the West African state of Senegal to meet with President Abdoulaye Wade, who has advocated in recent months for expanded African mediation in Zimbabwe.

South African President Thabo Mbeki has been leading the mediation effort for years, despite accusations from Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) that he is biased in favour of Mugabe's Zanu-PF party.

After basking in the success of bringing the two sides to the negotiating table on July 21 Mbeki this week had to scramble to get the talks back on track after they were suspended suddenly on Monday, four days after starting.

According to MDC sources, the talks reached an impasse on the issue of who should lead the next government - Mugabe or Tsvangirai.

In an interview Thursday with Britain's Channel 4 broadcaster Tsvangirai said he hoped Mugabe would be given an "honourable exit."

After meeting with Mugabe, Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara, leader of a breakaway MDC faction that is also party to the talks, Mbeki announced Wednesday the talks would resume on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the European Union expressed concern at the ongoing political violence and restrictions on humanitarian work in Zimbabwe, which it said flew in the face of a pre-talks agreement.

"I am concerned about the continued widespread violence and intimidation (in Zimbabwe). I am also deeply worried about the persistent restrictions imposed to humanitarian activities," EU Aid Commissioner Louis Michel said in a statement.

"This situation is unacceptable and is putting thousands of innocent civilian lives, including women and children, at risk," he said.

The memorandum of understanding on the talks signed by Mugabe and Tsvangirai on July 21 included a commitment by all parties to "eliminate all forms of political violence" and an agreement to allow humanitarian agencies to "render such assistance as might be required.

However, violence in the country, especially attacks on Tsvangirai's supporters by forces linked to Mugabe, remains rife, with the MDC reporting three more party supporters killed since the talks began on July 24. Over 115 MDC supporters have been killed by militia and soldiers since the end of March, according to the party.

Tsvangirai led the polls in the first round of Zimbabwe's presidential election on March 29, but pulled out of the June 27 run-off after dozens of his supporters were killed in attacks by Mugabe supporters.

Western powers have said they will not work with a government led by Zimbabwe's leader of 28 years. (dpa)