By Barnaby Phillips BBC Southern Africa correspondent

Zimbabwe has been suspended since last March

Leading African members of the Commonwealth had argued in favour of Zimbabwe's immediate readmission.

Zimbabwe was originally suspended in March last year after Commonwealth observers reported violence during the presidential elections.

The extension of Zimbabwe's suspension for at least another nine months is a significant setback to President Robert Mugabe and will encourage the opposition.

In recent weeks, it has appeared that the diplomatic tide has been turning in President Mugabe's favour, despite the desperate political and economic situation in Zimbabwe.

Consultations

Two key African leaders, South African President Thabo Mbeki and Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, have argued that sanctions against Zimbabwe should be lifted and that it should be allowed back into the Commonwealth.

Some member governments take the view that it is time to lift Zimbabwe's suspension... some others feel that there is no justification for such a step Don McKinnon

These presidents, along with Prime Minister John Howard of Australia, comprise a Commonwealth troika mandated to deal with Zimbabwe.

The Commonwealth Secretary General Don McKinnon, said he had consulted leaders across the organisation and that the broadly held view was that Zimbabwe's suspension should remain in place until the heads of government meeting due to take place in December.

Mr McKinnon said the troika had now also concluded that this was the most appropriate action.

This decision will not endear Mr McKinnon to President Mugabe's Government, which has already said the secretary general is no longer welcome to visit Zimbabwe.