HARARE -- European Union (EU) visa and financial sanctions against President Robert Mugabe and his top allies are having the desired effect and will only be reviewed once the political and human rights situation in the country improves, the blocs top diplomat in Harare has said.If the measures are not hurting the people on the list, there would have been less campaigns for their removal. These sanctions are not affecting the Zimbabweans who are not close to the offices of political power, EU ambassador to Zimbabwe Aldo Dell Ariccia, last week told a meeting in Harare to discuss the punitive measures.
The EU, alongside the United States, Australia, Switzerland and New Zealand, imposed targeted sanctions against Mugabe and his top officials eight years ago as punishment for allegedly stealing elections, human rights violations and failure to uphold the rule of law.
The sanctions include a ban on weapon sales to the southern African country.
The Western nations have however maintained humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe including providing food relief and HIV/AIDS support mostly through non-governmental organisations.
Mugabe, who denies violating human rights or stealing elections, says the sanctions have had a wider impact beyond the targeted individuals to damage Zimbabwes once vibrant economy.
Post published in: News