A top UN official is due in Zimbabwe for a five-day visit ahead of the presidential run-off, which continues to be marred by political violence.Haile Menkerios is expected to meet politicians to discuss the situation in the run-up to the 27 June vote.
Violence is reported to have spread to urban areas near Harare, with opposition activists complaining of being attacked near the city.
And a top opposition figure is expected in court to face treason charges.
Tendai Biti, secretary-general of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), was arrested when he returned from neighbouring South Africa on Thursday.
At the time of his arrest, national police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena said Mr Biti would be charged with treason "for publishing a document that was explaining a transitional strategy around March 26".
The charges carry a possible death sentence.
'War' claim
UN officials said Mr Menkerios, the body's assistant secretary-general for political affairs, would be in the country "for discussions on the political situation and the upcoming elections".
His visit - the first by a UN envoy since 2005 - comes after sustained pressure from foreign countries and opposition politicians on President Robert Mugabe to allow in international observers.
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