South Africa's governing African National Congress (ANC) has called on President Thabo Mbeki to resign amid claims he conspired against its chief.
Its National Executive Committee (NEC)said Mr Mbeki should step down after a judge suggested he had interfered in a case against party rival, Jacob Zuma.
The NEC - ANC stuck in talks over Mbeki's future ...
S Africa party 'might sue Zuma' ...
Mbeki meets Mugabe, snubbed by Tsvangirai ... made up of mainly Mr Zuma's supporters - cannot force Mr Mbeki, who denies the allegations, to go.
Mr Zuma is expected to succeed Mr Mbeki in scheduled elections next year.
Mr Zuma toppled his rival as ANC leader in bitterly contested elections last year, while Mr Mbeki fired him as deputy president in 2005.
Earlier this month a High Court judge dismissed corruption charges against Mr Zuma, saying there was evidence of political interference in the investigation.
ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe told reporters the NEC had "decided to recall the president of the republic before his term of office expires".
Mr Mantashe said Mr Mbeki "did not display shock" at the decision.
"He welcomed the news and agreed that he is going to participate in the process and the formalities," he said.
The announcement followed two days of talks within the NEC to decide Mr Mbeki's future.
(BBC)
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