Brussels, 15/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - The progress made by the Government of National Unity in Zimbabwe justifies a relaxation of the sanctions applied to the country since 2002, says the Council of the EU. It therefore decided on Tuesday 15 February to withdraw 35 names from the list of people and businesses hit by these limitations and the freezing of assets (163 people are still subject to these so-called targeted CFSP sanctions). But the partial suspension of development cooperation with the country (under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement) will be kept in place, because there is a lot still to do on a political level. This updating of the sanctions - an annual exercise - took place without debate. “The EU took note of the significant progress made in addressing the economic crisis and improving the delivery of basic social services. The EU has actively supported this process and remains the largest provider of assistance. Since the establishment of the Government of National Unity, 365 million euros has been spent (…). However, economic and social developments have not been matched by the progress on the political front”, stressed Catherine Ashton, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU. She stated that “further reforms are necessary with regard to the respect for the rule of law, human rights and democracy which are essential to create an environment conducive to the holding of credible elections”. (A.N./transl.fl)