Brussels, 23/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - As no progress has been made in power-sharing negotiations and given the continuing human rights violations in Zimbabwe, the European Union is to step up sanctions again against the regime in power under Robert Mugabe. This decision should be adopted without debate on Monday 26 January by the EU Council when the 27 foreign ministers gather in Brussels. CFSP sanctions, imposing visa restrictions and a freeze on assets held in Europe by all those supporting the dictator's regime, had been strengthened on 8 December last when 11 people actively involved in the violence and human rights violations were added to the list (EUROPE 9800). This time, about 50 names of persons and companies will be added to the 178 persons or organisations currently targeted. An extraordinary SADC summit on the situation in Zimbabwe is to be held the same day as the Council. (A.N./transl.jl)