Division in the council

Khalilzad acknowledged that there are also "differences of view on exactly what should be done," with some members arguing for political pressure only.

His Russian counterpart, Vitaly Churkin, told reporters that the UN Charter "does not empower the Security Council to interfere into the internal affairs of a state unless the situation there poses a threat to international peace and security."

"There are serious questions in our mind if the situation in Zimbabwe can be characterized as a threat to international peace and security," Churkin said.

As for the draft, Churkin said he believes that some elements are "clearly in conflict with the notion of the sovereignty of" a UN member state.

The Russian envoy did not rule out the possibility of a veto, saying that the council "should be very careful about setting precedents."

"We should make it clear to begin with that the Security Council is not about to enter into the whole realm of mediating elections, or passing judgment on elections," he said.

"We must be mindful of the current political process and avoid doing things which may undermine that political process," Churkin added.