Western countries are concerned about the expected appointment of Zimbabwe to head a key UN body, the Commission on Sustainable Development.

Western diplomats said Zimbabwe, which is in the midst of an economic and political crisis, was hardly a good example of development.

The position traditionally rotates through the regions of the world, with Africa next in line. Zimbabwe’s candidacy is reported to have broad support within Africa.

Zimbabwe’s Environment Minister Francis Nheme is being tipped by UN diplomats to be elected to the post today.

However Erik Solheim, Norway’s international development minister, said some countries still hoped to block the move.

A US state department spokesman, Tom Casey, has said: “We don’t think that Zimbabwe would be a particularly effective leader of this body”.