HARARE, Zimbabwe-- Zimbabwe's president is urging lawmakers in the troubled coalition government to preach messages of peace across the nation ahead of proposed elections.

President Robert Mugabe opened a new session of parliament Tuesday in Harare.

"Let's in unison say no to violence in all its manifestations," he said. He says coalition partners have agreed "timelines" to polling but did not elaborate. Mugabe last week called for polls in March.

He arrived at the legislature in an open vintage limousine, escorted by ceremonial lancers on horseback wearing colonial-style pith helmets.

The coalition was formed after disputed 2008 elections. Rights groups have blamed Mugabe and his loyalists for orchestrating political violence.