Council of the European Union (Brussels)
9 December 2008
press release
Brussels — A meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) of the European Union, a monthly meeting that brings together 7 EU foreign affairs ministers, the European Commission, and the Secretary-General of the Council, adopted the following resolution on December 8:
1. The Council reiterates its deep concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe, particularly as a result of the cholera epidemic and the continuing violence against supporters of the MDC. It reaffirms the European Union's commitment to the Zimbabwean people through a substantial and long-standing programme of humanitarian aid.
It shares the opinion expressed by the "Group of Elders" in their statement on the crisis in Zimbabwe. It considers unacceptable the decision to bar its members from even entering Zimbabwe. The Council demands respect for the principles of humanitarian aid and, in particular, respect for the principle of impartiality and equal access to humanitarian aid for the entire Zimbabwean population.
2. The Council notes the conclusion of an agreement in principle between the parties on constitutional amendment number 19, the entry into force of which is one of the prerequisites for the implementation of the political agreement of 15 September. It nevertheless regrets the long standoff in negotiations since the agreement was signed and hopes that an agreement satisfactory to all parties can be reached soon.
Eight months after the elections and almost three months after the initial power sharing agreement was signed, the Council recalls the importance of reaching a fair and viable power sharing agreement without delay. It calls for the cessation of unilateral decisions, such as the decision to confirm the appointment of the Governor of the Central Bank, which contradict the spirit of the agreement.
The Council stresses the need for all parties to acknowledge that, if it is to be both lasting and democratic, the outcome of negotiations must reflect the will and choice of the Zimbabwean people as expressed in the 29 March elections.
3. The Council underlines the importance of the SADC, the African Union and the UN remaining actively engaged vis-à-vis the parties in order to reach a lasting and equitable solution. The Council emphasises the importance of remaining vigilant in relation to the possible consequences for the region of a continuation in the deterioration of the humanitarian situation and destabilisation of Zimbabwe.
4. The Council has decided to update the list of persons subject to EU individual restrictive measures, in particular by adding to the list names of persons actively engaged in violence or human rights infringements.
5. The Council reaffirms that the European Union stands ready to support the economic and social recovery of Zimbabwe once a government reflecting the will of the Zimbabwean people has been formed and shows tangible signs of a return to respect for human rights, rule of law and macroeconomic stabilisation.
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TD you are a damn liar, and don’t write your articles pretending to represent Zimbabweans. It is most likely you are one of the thugs affected by these sanctions. Don’t fool yourself by trying to portray failures by Zanu PF as effects of your travel bans. You used to travel to European countries sourcing things which only benefited you and your colleagues in Zanu PF. Now that it’s difficult for you to obtain USD, Pounds and Euros you cry foul. Can you tell me how arms embargo or travel bans affect ordinary Zimbabweans?
Europe is missing the point here. Somebody should tell the EU that those sanctions have failed because they are affecting the general populace more than they are affecting the intended targets who have the capacity to cushion themselves against the impact. Yes, Bob and ZPF have mismanaged that economy to the detriment of the whole country, but lets face, these sanctions have also ruined that economy as well. SOme will deny it because we all want change but the route of sanctions has not worked and EU should devise other means that will not hurt the general populace. Both MT and RG must be slapped with more sanctions until they sit down and setup the GNU they agreed in September. The nation can not afford leaders to be globe trotting whilst the house is on fire. They should just go back home and clear the issues they have and form that gove for the good of the people.