The Commonwealth has suspended Zimbabwe from its meetings for one year in the wake of apparent vote-rigging and voter intimidation in this month's presidential election. 

The leaders of Australia, Nigeria and South Africa announced the decision Tuesday in London after meeting to debate a course of action on behalf of the 54-country organization. The three leaders, who make up a Commonwealth task force on Zimbabwe, say they will review their decision after 12 months. 

Also Tuesday, Switzerland slapped sanctions on Mr. Mugabe's inner circle, by freezing any financial assets the president and his senior aides might have there. 

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is bracing itself for a three-day general strike, to begin Wednesday, even though the government has declared work stoppages illegal. 

Labor unions called the strike to show support for opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who opposed President Robert Mugabe in the presidential vote. 

The government has promised to act against anyone supporting the work stoppage. 

However, Mr. Tsvangirai said Tuesday he supports the strike. He further told reporters he will only enter into talks with Mr. Mugabe under certain conditions. These include the organization of a new presidential election. 

An official tally showed Mr. Mugabe winning the presidential contest earlier this month with 56 percent of the vote to Mr. Tsvangirai's 41 percent. However, local human rights groups and Western election observers said the government stole the election through massive fraud. 

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