Brussels, 18/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - Relations between the EU and Zimbabwe, which were broken off in 2002 after EU sanctions were imposed on the Mugabe regime, have got off to a fresh start. Political dialogue was formally rekindled on Thursday 18 June, on the occasion of the ministerial troika that took place in Brussels between the head of government, Morgan Tsvangirai, CFSP High Representative Javier Solana, and Sweden's Foreign Minister Carl Bildt on behalf of the future EU Council Presidency, as well as Louis Michel, European Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner.
The EU welcomed progress made on the economic stabilisation front since Morgan Tsvangirai took over. Homage was paid to Mr Tsvangirai for the work he has achieved in record time, but there is still more to be done, including with regard to media freedom, human rights and financial reform. “We want this dialogue to be a success. We have expressed our concerns”, Carl Bildt told the press, although he also said he hoped sanctions would be lifted or eased in the near future if clear progress is made.
“The EU and Zimbabwe have now resumed normal relations. After ten years' interruption, we have re-established relations”, Morgan Tsvangirai was happy to say. Speaking of work begun by his government with a view to making media freedom “irrevocable”' and putting the country on track towards “fair democratic elections”, the prime minister said: “Discussions will continue in Harare. Zimbabwe has set itself targets in line with international standards. We trust that the overall agreement may be implemented”. Javier Solana hailed the “courage, tenacity and determination” shown by Morgan Tsvangirai. “Although the resumption of political dialogue is a red-letter day, the EU has never abandoned your country to its fate”, he commented.
Louis Michel took the view that the road is now open for “new relations between the EU and Zimbabwe. The latest developments are positive. We have a unique opportunity to resume dialogue with the donor community”. Since 2002, the EU has provided €570 million in development and humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe. In 2009, the commissioner hopes to be able to mobilise €110 million (90 million are already committed, and €20 million in fresh money may soon be made available for food aid). “We hope to be able to establish a roadmap for complete re-establishment of cooperation”, he said. Speaking to a journalist who asked him if were disappointed that it was necessary to wait for that, Mr Tsvangirai replied: “No, I am encouraged by the political support we have received. (…). Zimbabwe is coming out of the rut. (…) It needs this financial aid. Commitment is incremental, proportional. It is the sign that it is growing”. (A.N./transl.jl)