Zimbabwe’s major donors, known as the Fishmongers Group after the restaurant in Harare where the discussions first took place, met on Tuesday in Brussels.
The group comprises representatives of America, Britain, Japan, Germany, France, Sweden, Holland, Norway, Canada and Australia.
They are looking for two key decisions – a creative approach to achieve democratic reforms and help in retiring Zimbabwe's $7.1billion foreign debt, accessed from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
“Other economic tools relate to the huge international debt that Zimbabwe has accrued over the years; the suspension or total lifting of portions of this debt could be part of a rescue package with clear benchmarks to support democratic reforms," a statement issued by the donors said.
Once complete, the donors would offer an aid package worth $1-1.5bn a year – a three to four-fold increase in the aid currently received.
Donors were optimistic the country could rebound rapidly and see the return of a large pool of well educated people who have left the country – for neighbouring South Africa, Botswana and Zambia as well as further afield.
However the donors said they were "seriously concerned" about the readiness of the country for elections.
"We therefore urge the international community to apply intensive diplomatic pressure on the government of Zimbabwe to outline a clear road map for the hosting of credible free and fair elections," the Fishmongers said.
The Southern African Development Community, as the guarantors of the GPA, were told to urgently lay out in clear terms with firm pre-conditions how to ensure democratic elections without violence and intimidation.
The fishmongers urged the assured independence of the armed forces and electoral watchdog.
Post published in: News