Brussels, 19/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 19 February, the EU took another step towards normalisation between the European Union and Zimbabwe. The EU decided to suspend the remaining restrictive measures on the country, with the exception of those targeting President Robert Mugabe and his wife, and the arms embargo. The decision was taken without debate at the Council of the EU as part of the regular re-assessment of these sanctions.
“The EU has welcomed the generally peaceful manner in which the 2013 elections were conducted. However, we remain seriously concerned about the significant weaknesses identified in the electoral process and the lack of transparency identified by the SADC, AU and domestic observations missions, which calls into doubt the credibility of the elections. The EU believes that significant improvements in the electoral process are required”, said High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton. If the governance and human rights situation does not deteriorate, the restrictive measures under the development cooperation will expire on 1 November 2014, which will enable the EU to progress in programming the resources available for Zimbabwe from the 11th European Development Fund (EDF). (AN/transl.fl)