Brussels, 17/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - The European Union and the African Union welcomed their closeness of opinion following their 10th ministerial troika on 16 September in Brussels, which was partially devoted to the situations in Zimbabwe, Mauritania, Somalia and Sudan.
Speaking to the press, Bernard K. Membe, President in office of the African Union, said that he was “happy that the EU is with us” in condemning in the strongest terms the coup d'etat on 6 August in Mauritania. “The AU's position is very clear: the democratically elected government must be reinstated and pressure must be exerted on the junta for a return to constitutional order” he said. Mentioning the political consultations to which the EU has invited the Mauritanian authorities (EUROPE 9740), Alain Joyandet, President in office of the EU Council, added: “these discussions were planned under the Cotonou agreement. But make no mistake. If nothing changes, sanctions will be imposed”.
The two parties also welcomed the power-sharing agreement concluded on 11 September 2008 in Zimbabwe and decided to monitor its implementation very closely. Mr Membe sees “great progress” in this agreement and considers that “the EU and US sanctions have had considerable impact as they have led Mugabe to give ground”. Since pressure exerted by the SADC has also played a role, homage was paid to the mediation efforts of Thabo Mbeki. European Commissioner Louis Michel said that humanitarian aid, which was never interrupted, even during sanctions, will be increased: “This is a request from Tsvangirai”. On the currently suspended cooperation, “we will be able to reopen dialogue with Tsvangirai, which, if the dialogue is positive, will require repositioning on the part of the EU”, he said. The next EU-AU ministerial troika will take place on 20-21 November in Africa. (A.N./transl.fl)