Brussels, 25/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - In a joint resolution from the EPP-ED, PES, ALDE, UEN, Greens and GUE/NGL groups, adopted in Strasbourg on 24 April, the European Parliament, concerned by the political tensions in Zimbabwe, called for the “democratic wishes” of the Zimbabwean people to be honoured. It called for the immediate publication of the results of the elections of 29 March, despite the rejection by the High Court of Zimbabwe of just such a request by the main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change, on 14 April. The EP encouraged the Zimbabwean government to respect its commitments to democratic principles, human rights ands the rule of law, under the Southern African Development Community Treaty, the African Union, and the New Partnership for Africa's Development. Condemning post-electoral political violence and human rights abuses and the arrest of foreign journalists, the EP called for the immediate lifting of all restrictions on freedom of the press and freedom of assembly. It urged China to cease its export of arms to Zimbabwe and called on the Council and Commission to speed up the preparation of a raft of measures, including emergency economic aid, which will be put in place once Zimbabwe returns to democracy. (E.H.)