Heads of Missions of the European Union in Harare say they welcome the re-launch of apolitical dialogue between EU and Zimbabwe which was opened during the recent meeting of the Zimbabwean Prime minister Mr. Morgan Tsvangirai and his delegation with the Eu Troika in Brussels and hope for a quick finalization of the process meant to fully re-engagSpeaking to journalists in Harare on Monday,Europeacn Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe Xavier Marchel said EU member of states in Harare are happy with the re-launch of a political dialogue between Zimbabwe through its Prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai and the EU for the first time since the year 2002 a process which EU is positively responding to.
As expressed in the statement by the EU high representative for the common foreign and security policy Javier Solana, the EU wants to be a helpful partner to Zimbabwe.The political dialogue re-launched between Zimbabwean Prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai and the EU should hopefully lead towards the re-establishment of normal relations between Zimbabwe and the EU.Article 8 of the Cotonon Agreement partnership of which Zimbabwe is a full member,axctively supports processes of democratization ,consolidation of the rule of law and good governance.EU Heads of Mission s hope that under the patronage of Prime minister Tsbvangiraui,the same spirit of mutual colnfidegvnce which guides EU relations with most African countries will soon be re-established, said Xavier Marchel.
He also said the Harare EU member states are glad that the EU during its meeting with PM Tsbvangigrai made it clear that will fully support the inclusive government if the Zimbabwean government makes full commitment towards fuklfimentb of the Global Political Agreement the three principals in the coalition government signed last September, which is the guide line to the countrys democratization process, adding that restrictive measures imposed on ZANU PF members will be revolved if the individuals affected show a sign of behavior change.
Prime Minister Tsvangirais counterparts confirmed their support for the inclusive government. They discussed with him how they could assist to implement it own commitmefntsunder the GPA,particularly on the constitutional reforms, media reforms, the rule of the law, property rights in particular and pledged additional immediate financial support, and as EU member states in Zimbabwe our role is not to force the government to fulfill its commitment as mandated by the GPA to observe and inform our countries of the developments in that regard. On the issue of restrictive measures which were imposed on some individual members of the government they will remain there until their behavior which attracted them changes because these are individual sanctions imposed on individuals which and have nothing to do with the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe as what the affected want the Zimbabweans to believe.
These people have their wealth they acquired through dubious means and invested in the e Western capitals frozon,and the degrees of r measures taken against these individuals varies with their involvement in human rights abuses and contribution to the dilapidation of the Zimbabwean economy and lack of respect to both property and human rights., said Mr. Marchel
Dutch Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr. Joseph Weterings also present at the press briefing said his country used to behave good Agricultural export relations with Zimbabwe and players in the sector are ready to re-engage Zimbabwe should it bring back confidence in the them.
My country is more that ready to re-engage Zimbabwe in Agriculture once again but trust and confidence is what is need first before business commences. Zimmbabwe should convince us that the property rights and rule of law is once again in place ,said Ambassador Weterings.
Commenting on the decision by the EU and most countries PM Tsvangirai visited to by-pass government by channeling financial support to alternative sources,Swidish Ambassador to Zimbabwe Sten Rylander said the inclusive government has not yet shown its sincerity to the international community when it comes to the issue of financial accountability. He say the international community respects and is very sensitive to tax payers money and there is need for transperacnbcy in its disbursement to any other nation.
Transparence and accountability to tax payers funds guides the EU and the entire International countries when it need to assist any nation with finance, and in Zimbabwe due to the fact that the Central bank is still being controlled by a governor whose record is that of unheard of on this planet we found it prudent to find alternative ways of channeling financial support. Because we are not sure whether the money will get to the people if given direct to the government given the countrys history. But as Sweden we are inspired to do a lot more in assisting the re-construction of Zimbabwe as evidenced by the recent $1 million will injected in the business sector.
I am very much disappointed by the negative publicity the PMs trip had from the local media given the inclusive nature of the delegation who were on this important national assignment meant to revive the countrys artificially devastated economy and reputation, said Mr. Rylander.
Representatives from Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Commission, the European Union Council Secretariat, the World Bank, African Development Bank, International Monetary Fund, and United Nations met on Friday, March 20 in Washington, D.C., to discuss how best to support the people of Zimbabwe as they work to bring peace, stability, prosperity and democracy back to their country.
During the meeting they agreed to maintain and, to the extent possible, increase our current levels of humanitarian assistance based on identified needs.
They also agreed to work with the transition government to achieve specific goals identified in the Global Political Agreement (GPA), notably the restoration of the rule of law, economic stabilization and growth, freedom of assembly and commitment to the democratic process, respect for human rights and personal security, and full access to humanitarian assistance.
They commend the reform efforts undertaken by the transition government and the progress achieved at that time towards these goals. They urged the government to take additional steps to demonstrate its commitment to reform such as the immediate release of all political prisoners, the end of farm seizures, the cessation of politically-motivated violence, the establishment of a credible and transparent Central Bank team, an end to harassment and intimidation of the media, and a commitment to credible elections in a timely manner. Provided positive developments in regards to these political and economic reforms, the donor community said is ready to support Zimbabwes rebuilding with development assistance.
We will work closely with the guarantors of the agreement the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) to monitor and encourage swift and effective implementation of the GPA. Subject to performance from the transition government, we will work with the international financial institutions to develop an appropriate framework for reengagement, reads part of the EU statement.
Prime minister Tsvangirai returned home last weekend from a three week long international tour of the western countries where he was warmly welcomed and given assurance of massive financial assistance for the fledging inclusive government as long as there is clear progress towards democracy and rule of law.
His visit indeed opened a new chapter in the relations between the EU and Zimbabwe marking the normalization of the regulations and a start on the road to recovery.
In addition to almost half a billion dollar worth of humanitarian aid from the US and EU for his suffering Zikmbabweans,Tsvangirai has secured respect and the much needed personal goodwill of the worlds wealthiest and most powerful leaders.