The information that this mission could have provided to the
international community, on behalf of the Elders, founded by Nelson
Mandela, would have been particularly useful at a time when the
humanitarian situation is deteriorating at an alarming rate.
Over half of Zimbabwe’s population is today dependent on food aid, 80%
of the population lives precariously, one child in four has lost one or
both parents to AIDS, and the deterioration of infrastructure,
particularly medical, has led to the outbreak of cholera, resulting in
almost 300 deaths thus far. Given this context, an assessment of the
humanitarian situation was not only necessary but also critical.
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union is worried by the
standoff that has been affecting negotiations for over two months now.
It supports the mediation of the SADC and hopes that it will enable the
formation of a government reflecting the popular vote as democratically
expressed during the 29 March elections. It encourages the African
Union and the UN as members of the reference group to pursue their
mission to promote a credible solution to this crisis.
The European Union has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to the
people of Zimbabwe and its willingness, once it has guarantees on the
restoration of the rule of law and the respect for human rights, to
adopt together important measures that should result in the
consolidation of democracy and ensure the country’s economic and social
recovery.