Council of the European Union (Brussels)

PRESS RELEASE

Brussels

The General Affairs and External Relations Council of the European Union, which brings together 27 EU foreign ministers and the European Commission, issued the following statement on September 15:


Council Conclusions on Zimbabwe

Brussels, 15 and 16 September 2008

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

“1. The Council welcomes the conclusion of a political agreement between the parties in Zimbabwe on 11 September 2008. The Council thanks President Mbeki for the mediation efforts undertaken in the context of the SADC which made  it possible to reach an agreement following lengthy negotiations.              

2. The Council will study the details of the agreement and will be attentive to its implementation, which will mean immediate cessation of all forms of intimidation and violence. It stresses that that agreement must provide the Zimbabwean people with the reforms awaited: democracy and the rule of law, including respect for human rights, and the restoration of the country’ economic and social situation.

3. The Council remains concerned by the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe and will continue to provide its aid, which is vital, in that area. It calls for the immediate lifting of all restrictions still imposed on the delivery of humanitarian aid and the humanitarian activities of non-governmental organisations.

4. The Council would point out that the EU has always supported the Zimbabwean people and that it remains the leading donor to Zimbabwe. The EU stands ready to adopt a set of economic support measures and measures to support a transitional government taking the 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.

5. The Council will examine the development of the situation at its meeting in October.”

 

16 September 2008

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