Brussels, 12/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - EU27 heads of state expressed great concern on Friday 12 December 2008 about the continued deterioration in the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe, demanding the immediate release of kidnapped individuals like human rights activist Jestina Mukoko, seized by a group of armed men on 3 December 2008. In a statement adopted on Friday, the Council called for humanitarian aid to be sent to Zimbabwe immediately to help deal with the cholera outbreak that has already claimed at least 800 lives. The EU leaders said that more than ever, it is now urgent for all legitimate political parties to find a solution that takes account of the results of the elections held this year. On Monday 8 December 2008, the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council tightened the sanctions against Robert Mugabe's regime by adding a further 10 names to the 168 on the visa blacklist. (A. By trans fl)