Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

Personal tools
Sections
You are here: Home Breaking news EU removes 35 from Zimbabwe sanctions list

EU removes 35 from Zimbabwe sanctions list

15 February 2011, 15:36 CET
— filed under: , ,

(BRUSSELS) - The European Union on Tuesday removed 35 people from a list of Zimbabweans hit by a travel ban and asset freeze, citing progress made by Harare in delivering basic services to its citizens.

But the EU left 163 people and 31 businesses on the list, including President Robert Mugabe, and kept an arms embargo as it noted a lack of progress on the political front and a recent spike in political violence.

In an annual review of the situation in Zimbabwe, the EU noted "significant progress" made by Harare in addressing the economic crisis and improving the delivery of basic social services.

But EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, speaking on behalf of the 27-nation bloc, called for further reforms on the rule of law, human rights and democracy to pave the way for "credible elections."

"Economic and social developments have not been matched by equivalent progress on the political front," she said in a declaration.

"In this context, I have to express my deep concerns at the upsurge in political violence seen in recent weeks," Ashton said.

The EU concluded there was not enough progress to "justify a more substantial change of its policy towards Zimbabwe."

The people on the sanctions list are accused of seriously undermining democracy, respect to human rights abuses and the rule of law.

The bloc decided to extend by another year punitive measures imposed since 2002, including a ban on selling weapons to Zimbabwe and a prohibition on channeling EU development aid through the government.

Mugabe formed a power-sharing government with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who became prime minister, in 2009 to mend an economy ravaged by hyperinflation and avoid a descent into civil war in the aftermath of a bloody presidential run-off election.

Mugabe, in power since 1980, is pushing for fresh elections this year despite a deadlock over a new constitution that was supposed to pave the way for the next polls.


Document Actions