Brussels, 25/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - The success of the constitutional referendum in Zimbabwe, which saw widespread approval of the new constitution, has been welcomed by the European Union as a decisive step towards democracy. On Monday 25 March, it also led to the immediate lifting of most of the targeted sanctions in force. Eighty-one people subject to visa bans and eight Zimbabwean economic undertakings have, therefore, been removed from the list of individuals and companies subject to these sanctions.
In a statement published on Monday 25 March, Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, underlined that “the EU congratulates the people of Zimbabwe on a peaceful, successful and credible vote to approve a new constitution on 16 March 2013. This represents a significant step in the implementation of the global political agreement (GPA) which remains key to achieving a more peaceful, prosperous and democratic Zimbabwe”.
The EU reiterates its support to the efforts of the political parties, the South African Facilitation Team and SADC (Southern African Development Community), and encourages them to build on the momentum to complete the implementation of the GPA and the SADC Roadmap, paving the way for free and democratic elections in 2013.
The EU underlines the commitments made by all the different parties and welcomes the repeated appeals for national reconciliation. “It is nevertheless concerned over the recent reports of intimidation and harassment against some political activists and civil society representatives”, states Ashton. Thus the EU urges all leaders to ensure that their commitments are respected.
Ten people, including the current president, Robert Mugabe (89) and two companies, including the national mining company Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation, are still subject to EU sanctions. Last February, following the final agreement on the final draft of the constitution, the EU proceeded to a partial lifting of sanctions for six government members, 21 individuals and an economic operator. The new constitution in Zimbabwe includes limitations on the immunity of the president, as well as his mandate. (AN/transl.fl)