HARARE, August 12 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has said removal of illegal sanctions could assist unity talks between political parties in this southern African country.

    Addressing thousands who attended Heroes' Day commemorations, Mugabe said the talks about to be concluded would pave the way for setting up the government of national unity.

    He said it was regrettable that Western countries imposed more sanctions when unity talks were underway. "These sanctions constitute a direct external interference in our internal processes aimed at resolving our country's challenges," said Mugabe.

    "We, therefore, call upon Britain and her allies to forthwith remove the sanctions to allow us space to freely chart our destiny as sovereign people," he said.