JOHANNESBURG - The European Union (EU) is holding consultations with South Africa and SADC ahead of a review next month of sanctions designed to curb international travel and business for President Robert Mugabe and his Zanu (PF) inner circle, said Henry Bellingham, Britains new Minister for Africa. In a statement made available to The Zimbabwean, Bellingham, who did not reveal whether the sanctions were likely to be lifted or not, said the way Britain would handle the discussions in the EU would be influenced by the outcome of the consultations. However, the tone in Belinghams statement indicates that the EU could be open to a policy adjustment on Zimbabwe.
South Africa is in an absolutely pivotal position as mediator in the Global Political Agreement (GPA) and the SADC is the guarantor, said Bellingham.
South Africa and the SADC have a key role to play and we will be listening very carefully to what they have to say. We are going to have a very close dialogue with South Africa and listen to what their views are. I am listening to the arguments being put by President Zuma and others.
He welcomed South Africas lead on Zimbabwe and in particular Zumas visit to Harare last month, where he persuaded Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and his deputy Arthur Mutambara to resume discussions on the stalled GPA.
Sanctions against Zimbabwe were also high on the agenda recently during the state visit of Zambias President Rupiah Banda to South Africa.
Banda, who is also the chairperson of SADCs troika on peace and security, said the sanctions were inhibiting the political and economic progress of Zimbabwe.
Zuma, Mugabe, Tsvangirai and all SADC member states have called for the removal of the sanctions, which are widely credited for bringing an end to almost 30 years of Zanu (PF) one party rule.
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