New York  - The United States called Wednesday for a UN Security Council meeting to discuss the situation in Zimbabwe, saying that concerns have grown about the deteriorating humanitarian and political situation there.

But US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said some countries in the 15-nation council were opposed to holding the meeting before Zimbabwe holds its presidential elections in Zimbabwe on June 27. The US currently holds the rotating presidency of the council in June.

"It's a country in crisis," he said. "It's very important for the council to have a discussion, take a look at where the country is and consider what's needed to be done."

Khalilzad said an overwhelming majority of council members have agreed to hold the meeting and he believed it will take place despite the objection of some members. He did not say which couintry opposed the discussion.

A UN official, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs Haile Menkarios, is visiting Zimbabwe to assess the situation there and is expected to report back to UN headquarters. (dpa)