Brussels, 05/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - The EU- Zimbabwe political dialogue started in June 2009 and is beginning to bear fruit. On Friday 2 July, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton and EU Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs met a delegation of ministers from the Zimbabwean government, who reassured the EU about progress in implementing the “global political agreement” and opening up the prospect of a return to normality in relations between the two parties. Confident about progress in constitutional and security reform, the EU announced that it is prepared to release €20 million from the European Development Fund (EDF) to improve food security, social services and governance in Zimbabwe. This is on top of the €180 million already released when the Zimbabwean Government of National Unity came to power (comprising the three main political parties, MDC-T, ZNU-PF and MDC-M).
Following the meeting with Elton Mangoma, the energy minister, Patrick A. Chinamasa, the justice minister, and Priscilla Misihairambwi-Mushonga, the regional integration and international cooperation minister, Catherine Ashton said: "The EU appreciates some progress made implementing the global political agreement in Zimbabwe and remains ready to continue the dialogue and to respond flexibly and positively to any clear signals of further concrete progress."
EU Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs added: “Despite the political issues, the Commission continues to provide direct aid for health, education, food security and governance to the people of Zimbabwe. I want to make clear that the Commission remains committed to provide further assistance based on continued progress and clear signs of improved political environment in Zimbabwe."
The participants all expressed a common desire to deepen political dialogue and the Zimbabwean delegation expressed willingness to intensify dialogue in Harare. The mandated parties in Harare will define indicators, set the timetable for the achievement of concrete objectives based on their respective roadmaps of commitments, and monitor progress. (A.N./transl.fl)