Luxembourg, 10/04/2000 (Agence Europe) - The EU's priority against the escalation of the crisis in Zimbabwe is to insure the holding of democratic elections in May, confirmed this Monday the General Affairs Council. It is presently not a question of starting suspension proceedings, under Article 366,A of the Lomé Convention, of the aid and preferences granted to Zimbabwe - which have, on the other hand, been notably considered by the British, Dutch and Belgian Ministers of Foreign Affairs. "A suspension could have counterproductive effects in the framework of the electoral campaign, to the extent that it could put the authorities in the position of victims," noted European Commission sources. The General Affairs Council will return to the situation in Zimbabwe and on the opportunity for possible sanctions during its meeting on the 22 May.
The Council insisted, in its conclusions on Zimbabwe, on the European fears over the illegal situation created by the occupation of white farmers land and, furthermore, confirmed the EU's support for the holding of elections planned for May. The EU is ready to send observers to Zimbabwe to follow, "where necessary," the elections, indicated the spokesperson for the Portuguese Presidency of the Council, Fernando Neves.
The British Minister for Foreign Affairs, Robin Cook, who requested this debate, said he was "very pleased" by the Council's conclusions and the unanimity of the Ministers. He insisted on the difficult economic situation in the country, on the risks of destabilisation and on the need for free and fair elections. "We have called on Zimbabwe to apply the rules of a State of law and to respect its undertakings to hold elections in May," (…) "Our message is that we want to work with them to insure the economic progress and the respect for the rule of law and democratic principals," repeated Robin Cook.