Brussels, 14/01/2002 (Agence Europe) - The first consultation meeting opened between Zimbabwe and the European Union on Friday last in Brussels under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement (see EUROPE of 12 January, p.7, and 9 January, p.8), allowed the authorities of Zimbabwe to take commitments likely to meet the concerns of the EU concerning violations of human rights, of democratic principles and of the rule of law, with which Robert Mugabe's regime is reproached. The European Union did not content itself with vague verbal promises. It demanded that the Zimbabwean authorities carry out immediate concrete action: 1) a letter, to be sent within one week to the President of the Council of the EU detailing, in writing, its actions on all points covered by the discussion in order to resolve the situation; 2) the sending of two international observers - including EU observers (despatch of whom had initially been refused by Zimbabwe), as well as invitations and accreditation needed to cover the presidential elections of 9 and 10 March, at least six weeks before the vote is held, and a guarantee of full access for national and international media. At this stage, therefore, as planned, no formal decision of sanctions has been taken, with Article 96 making such consultation a precondition for adoption of measures including, as a last resort, suspension of cooperation if no satisfactory solution is found. Nonetheless, by giving the Zimbabwean authorities an ultimatum for effectively carrying out two commitments considered essential, the European party made its discussion partners understand that the imminent nature of the vote would not allow the customary delay of 60 days to be honoured for consultation.
In order to meet the concerns of the Union regarding, above all, political violence, free and democratic elections and observation of the ballot, freedom of the media, independence of the judiciary, and the unlawful occupation of land - the Zimbabwean authorities announced that they would take concrete actions with a view to guaranteeing: a) full respect of human rights, including the right of all to freedom of opinion, association and peaceful assembly; b) full and impartial investigation of all alleged cases of political violence during the year 2001 (six reports are said to be in the process of being drafted); c) an agreement on a code of conduct for political parties, to be promoted before the electoral campaign; d) acceptance of the SADC proposal concerning the establishment of a bi-partisan parliamentary committee to promote inclusive political dialogue; e) a national a Zimbabwean Electoral Supervisory Commission which is adequately resourced and able to operate independently; f) the accreditation and registration of national independent monitors in good time for the election; h) commitment to freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Constitution of Zimbabwe; i) confirmation of the practice to allow national and international journalists to cover the major national events, including elections in compliance with the laws and regulations in force; j) independence of the judiciary and the rule of law; and k) the transfer of occupiers to legally-acquired lands by the Government of Zimbabwe.
It will be up to the EU heads of mission in Harare to follow, on the ground, the reality of these commitments and to report on progress made as soon as possible to allow the General Affairs Council to assess the situation on 28 January 2002. Great vigilance is therefore required. Political dialogue will continue, but only really meaningful results will keep the threat of sanctions at bay.
According to ACP sources (several representatives of the ACP Group played, as tradition wonts, the role of facilitator in consultations, and representatives of Angola, Malawi and Namibia, designated by Zimbabwe as "friendly" countries took part), the Zimbabwean delegation, composed of 4 ministers and headed by Foreign Minister Mudenge, denounced two things: - the Union's partiality in its condemnation of political violence (the blame is put on the majority alone while the recent assassination of two of its leaders passed in silence) and the interference of the United Kingdom and of the Netherlands in the electoral campaign via 95% financing of the opposition by the Westminster Foundation and the support given to an opposition radio channel which broadcasts from these two countries three hours a day throughout the territory while the national public radio only covers 60% of the country. The European delegation, headed by the EU permanent representative for Spain, Francisco Xavier Conde de Saro, also included a representative of the Belgian Presidency and of the future Danish Presidency, and Director General of the DG Development at the European Commission, Mr Richelle.