The US State Department denied making any political overture to veteran President Robert Mugabe, who has been pushing for the United States and other Western nations to remove separate economic sanctions.

"The political and economic situation is still unpredictable but we lifted the restrictions because there was a return of basic medical, food and fuel services," State Department spokesman Robert Wood told reporters.

"We're obviously going to continue to monitor the situation and if we feel we need to provide another travel advisory or warning we will certainly do so," Wood said.

"There is no political dynamic. We are just gauging the situation as we see it on the ground," he added.

Travel warnings by the United States and other Western nations have contributed to a slump in Zimbabwe's tourism sector, traditionally a major money-maker for the country.

The United States had imposed a travel warning for Zimbabwe, asking Americans to "carefully consider their need to travel there," on December 12 last year. Wood said the State Department cancelled the warning as of April 8.

In imposing the warning, the State Department had cited in particular concerns about the dilapidation of Zimbabwe's health care system, saying last year that hospitals could not provide even basic supplies and clean water.

The State Department voiced concern about travelers' safety due to an outbreak of cholera. The World Health Organization says that more than 4000 people have died since the disease broke out last August, but new cases have recently slowed down.

Mugabe, who has ruled for nearly three decades, earlier Friday made a new call for Western nations to lift sanctions and prodded partners in his unity government to join his campaigning against them.

But the United States has said Zimbabwe has a "long way to go" before it lifts sanctions, which include a travel ban and asset freeze against Mugabe and his inner circle.

Zimbabwe is trying to raise $8.5-billion over three years to support the new government and help revive the country's shattered economy.

US President Barack Obama has pledged to reach out to long-time US foes such as Iran and Cuba but has insisted they also make progress in areas of concern such as human rights.