The southern African country suffered months of deadly unrest following last year's disputed elections, when Mugabe failed to win a majority for the first time since independence in 1980.

He and Tsvangirai formed a unity government in February but the prime minister's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party has reported ongoing attacks.

"There are still reported cases of political violence and this must stop," Mugabe said in a Harare hotel, standing alongside Tsvangirai in public for only the second time since the government was formed.

"Let us move among the people... promoting the values and practice of tolerance, respect, non-violence and dialogue as a sustainable means of resolving political differences," Mugabe said.

About 200 lawmakers, government officials and diplomats attended the two-hour event to officially begin three days of national prayer for peace.

Religious leaders plan to lead a prayer service in a Harare stadium on Saturday, which Tsvangirai said will mark the start of efforts to find justice for victims of the violence that left at least 180 dead, mostly MDC supporters.

"These three days of dedication must herald the beginning of a genuine, open and frank process... accepting responsibilities for the hurts and pains inflicted on so many Zimbabweans," he said, without blaming anyone for the violence.

"In addition to the three principles of truth, justice and forgiveness, we must openly discuss the issue of reparation," Tsvangirai said.

"While it may not be possible to undo what has been done, it is sometimes possible to assist the victims to move on and to rebuild a life that has been shattered," he added.

Despite the unity government, Mugabe has proved reluctant to accept major political reforms and maintained control over security forces.

The MDC has complained that Mugabe and his ZANU-PF party are failing to live up to the unity deal, with rights activists still facing prosecution. No Mugabe supporters have been brought to trial over the post-election violence.

"What they have done today is just a start," said Takura Zhangazha, Zimbabwe director for the Media Institute of Southern Africa.

"Obviously the government is attempting to inculcate the culture of tolerance. It doesn't address the issue of... bringing perpetrators of violence to book," he said.

State media this week reported that Tsvangirai and Mugabe were still vying for control of key agencies within the government, as they each wrestle for executive power.

Last week, talks on drafting a new constitution fell apart on their first day as pro-Mugabe militants stormed the stage and taunted top politicians.

Hours later, Mugabe and Tsvangirai held their first joint press conference to denounce the incident. Talks have since resumed on the new constitution, which is meant to pave the way to fresh elections.

Amid the political squabbling, the unity government has managed to halt the country's stunning economic collapse after a decade of hyperinflation, abandoning the local currency to stabilise prices.

The government is seeking more than eight billion dollars in aid over three years to revive the civil service, including schools and hospitals. So far it has won loan pledges of about two billion dollars, mainly from Africa and China.

Western nations are calling for greater political reforms before committing to direct government aid.

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