TEXT: G8 ministers call for legitimate Zimbabwe government

KYOTO, Japan (Reuters) - The Group of Eight nations (G8) said on Friday that Zimbabwe's first round of presidential elections must be respected, and they could not accept the legitimacy of a government not reflecting the will of the people.

The following is the text of a statement issued by the group's foreign ministers after a meeting in Kyoto, Japan:

"G8 Foreign Ministers reiterated their grave concern about the situation in Zimbabwe.

"We deplore the actions of the Zimbabwean authorities -- systematic violence, obstruction and intimidation -- which have made a free and fair presidential run-off election impossible. We strongly urge the Zimbabwean authorities to work with the opposition to achieve a prompt, peaceful resolution of the crisis in accordance with the democratic wishes of the Zimbabwean people and, for that purpose, to cooperate fully with the international efforts including those of SADC, the AU and UN.

"We are deeply concerned over the suspension of humanitarian aid which has been seriously affecting the most vulnerable people in Zimbabwe and call on the Zimbabwean authorities to immediately allow the resumption of operations by humanitarian organizations.

"We note that the results of the March 29, 2008, elections must be respected and that any dialogue between the parties must allow a legitimate government to be formed. We will not accept the legitimacy of any government that does not reflect the will of the Zimbabwean people.

"We will continue to closely monitor the situation."

(Writing by John Chalmers; Editing by Rodney Joyce)