16 September 2008
Europe and the United States have taken a "wait-and-see" approach to Zimbabwe's power-sharing pact, suggesting they will lift sanctions and provide aid only when they see evidence of its implementation.
European Union (EU) foreign ministers, meeting in Brussels on Monday, said in a statement that as "the leading donor to Zimbabwe," the EU was ready to adopt "a set of economic support measures." But they made clear the support would go only to "a transitional government taking… steps to restore democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe, particularly by organising transparent multiparty elections and promoting the economic rehabilitation of the country."
The foreign ministers also said the EU would be monitoring how the agreement was implemented. As part of its implementation, "all forms of intimidation and violence" had to end immediately. They will review the situation at their next monthly meeting in October.
The British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, whose government has been called upon by Zimbabwean parties to pay farmers whose land was seized in President Robert Mugabe's land reform programme, said Britain would be quick to support the new Zimbabwean government if it began to rebuild the country.
"What matters now," he added, "is not just the words in the agreement, but the way it functions and the actions the new government takes on the ground. We hope that… [it] will now reverse the tragic policies and decline of recent years.
The BBC reports that Jendayi Frazer, the most senior United States diplomat for Africa, said the administration of President George W. Bush wants to help Zimbabwe but needs to see proof that Mugabe had ceded some power to Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack told journalists in Washington on Monday that the U.S. had received "some briefings" on the power-sharing agreement "and from what we have learned from the MDC [Movement for Democratic Change] briefing us on the detail… we would welcome this agreement… with the caveat that we haven't yet seen the full agreement."
He added: "It is our hope for Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwean people that they… can now move forward, that… the agreement… can be fully implemented, and that the agreement be implemented in such a way that it reflects the will of the people, as expressed in the recent election…. We'll see how it's implemented."
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Shame on you..you're an embittered, pathetic, defeated ,angry loser..While the rest of the progressive Zimbabwe population is relieved & ecstatic that the sun will now shine on us and be prosperous and happy family again,, losers like you still brag about hate language,animosity and a wish for a return to hostilities, Your anger stems from the fact that the deal didn't produce your "desired" outcome..Face it , whoever you're.. You're A MISERABLE LOSER...British led regime change agenda crumbled like a deck of cards.
Zimbabwe Voter wanted Regime change – Seems you have got it wrong too - just like Mugabe! It was the Zimbabwe Voter that brought the regime change and voted in Morgan Tsvangirai with the majority in parliament AND for president. Mugabe failed to accept that, and until he does donors should be wary and continue to support ZIMBABWE VOTERS by withholding full aid.
Zim voters are sovereign! Viters' voice is God's wish!
Mugabe is evil, otherwise he would have heeded the voice of the people. Those admiring Mugabe for all his crimes cannot at the same time appreciate Tsvangirai. They are at the opposite ends. One cannot eat his banana and at the same time keep it; Bloody hypocrites indeed.
It's a bad deal, but we will support Tsvangirai. Ultimately, Mugabe will be shown the exit. Like it or not!
Correct. Everything is falling into place quite neatly. Cde Chihuri has probably finished practizing that special salute given to the PM. It's all celebration in Zim skies - fireworks. The herald is learning to be civilized and we are getting somewhere. However, real aid can only come when we demonstrate we are at a point of no return..when we appoint ministers wisely and initiate serious internal change among ourselves. Otherwise it will land and simply dissappear..note they promised aid to a transational government, not current government. And its theirs so clearly they put their own conditions!
No economy of any nation is run by the so called donors! Do Zimbabwe a favour, tell your donors that they are not wanted. They can keep their imagined millions of dollars. Give it to Lehman Brothers!!! The Zimbabweans have called their bluff and Whoat? They unashamedly change the rules governing their offers of their so called finacial help. Rhodesia never got AID but was free to trade and had a free access to international trade and capital. That is what we want. Our young people are quite capable and are able to compete in the world theatre of trade and commerce. Make sure your "donor" friends keep away from Great Zimbabwe.
Mabhiza, "British led regime change agenda crumbled like a deck of cards." How can you say that!? Tsvangarai now has alot of power. The regime change is on the move! Just wait till the next election that WILL be free and fair, and the ZANU PF will be voted out for good, just like they should have been in May this year. A few years late, but like it or not, regime change is happening! This has to be a victory for those against the butcher of Harare! He's giving up his grip on power!
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MUGABE STILL HAS NOT GOT IT!
Mugabe still has not got it and until he does there should be only humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe. He has not accepted that HIS leadership and crimes is the ONLY reason why Zimbabwe was turned from one of the best places in Africa to absolutely the worst! The economy in ruins, rampant crime and corruption. After signing the agreement with Morgan Tsvangirai, Mugabe still blamed the British and Americans. If these countries or Europe give money it will still only end up in Mugabe’s bank account and those of his army thugs that keep him in power. Mugabe must first show that he respects the agreement and then resign. The new Zimbabwe Parliament under Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai must hold Mugabe accountable – He needs to be tried for his crimes by new judges and not Mugabe’s appointees. Then and only then should donors return with full carefully managed aid!