EU must support recovery for Zimbabwe
By Campaigns | July 1, 2010
ACTSA press release – EU and Zimbabwe
Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) says that the European Union should continue with its ‘appropriate measures’ on Zimbabwe until the Inclusive Government meets its responsibilities under the 2008 Global Political Agreement (GPA).
On Friday a Zimbabwean ministerial team will meet with the EU to discuss Zimbabwe. Top of the agenda will be the ‘appropriate measures’ which impose travel bans and asset freezes on 200 named individuals and 40 companies.
ACTSA is calling for the EU to increase efforts in Zimbabwe towards economic recovery, the restoration of basic services and to support those working for the restoration of democracy and human rights.
“But,” says ACTSA Director, Tony Dykes, “EU appropriate measures should remain until there are greater signs of Zimbabwe progressing on ending violence, human rights violations, intimidation and organs of the state operating in a non-politically partisan way.”
In the GPA the signatory parties agreed; “That all forms of measures and sanctions against Zimbabwe be lifted in order to facilitate a sustainable solution to the challenges that are currently facing Zimbabwe”.
However, they also committed to building “a society free of violence, fear, intimidation, hatred, patronage, corruption and founded on justice, fairness, openness, transparency, dignity and equality.” This has not been achieved and that is why ACTSA is calling for ‘appropriate measures’ from the EU to remain.
ACTSA agrees with its partners in Zimbabwe and across southern Africa and Europe that the reasons for the imposition of the EU and other countries’ appropriate measures still apply; activists continue to be arrested, some have been forced to flee the country and reports continue of the state being used for repression.
As the measures target individuals, rather than hitting the economy of Zimbabwe, civil society in Zimbabwe and ACTSA support the continuation of EU measures. Zimbabwe’s civil society organisations have stated that measures should not be lifted until there is demonstrable evidence of the GPA being adequately implemented..
For further information and interviews contact ACTSA Director Tony Dykes on 020 3263 2001 or 07809396129
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