Brussels, 05/02/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Swedish Presidency has made the following declaration on behalf of the EU: "The EU deplores the bombing on the 28 January of the printing works of the 'Daily News' newspaper in Harare. This attack on the premises of an independent journal and other attacks during the weekend on vendors of the Herald and Sunday Mail was the culmination of a series of violent incidents, which undermine the freedom of expression which the media in Zimbabwe have hitherto enjoyed. A free and independent press is a vital element in the maintenance of democratic values, and respect for the rule of law in any country. The EU condemns all actions that threaten Zimbabwe's internal stability, from whatever quarter, and urges the Government of Zimbabwe to bring those responsible for these recent incidents to justice. The EU calls on all parties in Zimbabwe to respect the right of all Zimbabwean people to express their views openly and without fear of violence.
The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the EU, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries, members of the EEA align themselves with this declaration."