Vienna - United Nations Secretary Ban Ki-moon on Friday ruled out sending UN troops to Zimbabwe for the time being.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a visit to the UN compound in Vienna, Ban said the issue had not been considered yet, and called for continuing talks.

"That issue has not been considered. ... I am in the process of talking to leaders," he said.

"I have been in regular contact with the leaders in the region. I sincerely hope the leaders, ... in particular the African Union, will take this up," he added.

"I am deeply concerned ... this increasing violence in Zimbabwe as well as the decreasing humanitarian situation causes a great concern to the international community."

Ban also urged Zimbabwe's leaders to release the results of the presidential elections. "It is just unacceptable that they are still holding back the results and not release them. ... Therefore they should base all good governance on democratic principles." (dpa)