Brussels, 08/01/2002 (Agence Europe) - The first consultation meeting between the European Union and Zimbabwe (in the framework of Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement between the EU and the 77 ACP countries) to discuss the EU's accusations of violations of democratic principles and human rights in Zimbabwe will be held in Brussels on Friday morning (11 January) at the EU Council headquarters. The procedure was devised by the EU in October 2001 for cases of violation by one of the parties to the Cotonou Agreement of any of the essential principles of respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law and was launched following the Zimbabwean authorities' refusal to accept the European offer to send an exploratory electoral mission and observers for the March 2002 presidential elections (see EUROPE of 31 October, p.5). The Council letter of 15 November 2001 inviting the Zimbabweans to the consultation meetings outlined the EU's concerns about political violence, the preparation and organisation of free and fair elections, respecting the freedom of the press, the independence of the judicial system and respect for its rulings and the illegal occupation of farms owned by white settlers.
As outlined in Article 96, the aim of the consultation meeting is to invite the country concerned to provide the information required to make an in-depth assessment of the situation with a view to finding a solution acceptable to both sides. The EU is expecting the Zimbabwean authorities to provide information about measures they have already taken or are planning to take to resolve the situation it is concerned about. The Zimbabwean authorities have agreed to participate in the consultation process which will last no longer than 60 days and at the end of which, if no mutually acceptable solutions can be found, appropriate measures may be taken and as a last resort, cooperation between the EU and Zimbabwe may be suspended (the European Parliament has already called for this in a resolution adopted in December - see EUROPE of 17/18 December, p.7).
During the negotiations, the Zimbabwean authorities will be assisted by representatives from the ACP group and will themselves be represented by the Foreign, Justice, Interior and Information Ministers. The European delegation will be made up of a representative of the European Commission and three representatives of the EU Troika (the outgoing Belgian Presidency, the current Spanish Presidency and the next Presidency, Denmark).