Crisis over Ethiopia poll probe

Trust between Ethiopia's political parties has broken down over attempts to resolve May's disputed election, according to a senior diplomat.

The main opposition party has withdrawn from panels investigating complaints, the European Union representative in Ethiopia, Tim Clarke, told the BBC.

The CUD was angry when some officials were blocked from taking part, he said.

An Ethiopian minister blamed the CUD for the problem saying they had no interest in the democratic process.

"This should be seen as a crisis deliberately started by the CUD," Information Minister Bereket Simon said.

On Friday, the National Election Board is due to announce the official results in some of the disputed constituencies that were not being contested by the opposition.

At least 36 people were killed and thousands arrested in protests over the poll.

Initial results say Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's ruling party has retained its majority but these have been rejected by the opposition.

Opposition parties say many of their members are still in prison.