G8 to seek sanctions after Zimbabwe violence

TOYAKO, Japan (Reuters) - The Group of Eight said on Tuesday it would seek targeted sanctions against Zimbabwean officials after a violent election that extended President Robert Mugabe's 28-year rule.

"We will take further steps, inter alia introducing financial and other measures against those individuals responsible for violence" in Zimbabwe, the G8 said in a statement.

Zimbabwe's state media reported on Tuesday that Mugabe's ruling party and the opposition were to resume talks under the mediation of South African President Thabo Mbeki.

Mugabe was the only candidate in the June 27 run-off election after opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai pulled out, citing state-sponsored violence against candidates and supporters of his Movement for Democratic Change.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Hugh Lawson)