Furnas, 08/05/2000 (Agence Europe) - Below in the complete text of the declaration on Zimbabwe adopted by the EU Foreign Affairs Ministers during their informal meeting in Acores:
"The Presidency, on behalf of the European Union, reiterates the EU's deep concern at the breakdown in the rule of law in Zimbabwe, the ongoing political intimidation in the run-up to Zimbabwe's parliamentary elections. The EU urges the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure that fair elections, free of intimidation are held within the timetable prescribed by the Constitution. It welcomes the willingness of the Government of Zimbabwe to accept international election observers. The EU is ready and willing to send such a team, subject to satisfactory freedom of access and security. It underlines the importance for international observers being present and in sufficient number as early as possible before election day, in order to observe the pre-election process. The Commission has been invited to visit Zimbabwe immediately to look at the necessary arrangements. The EU reiterates its support for land resettlement within the rule of law and on the basis of principals and conclusions of the 1998 Land Conference." (Unofficial translation).