With the exception of Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs Patrick Chinamasa and his counterpart Minister of Foreign Affairs Simbarashe Mbengegwi whose visa ban have been lifted as there are part of the Zimbabwe’s team for re-engagement with the EU, most of President Robert Mugabe inner circle are still on the list of sanctions.
European Union (EU) Ambassador to Zimbabwe Aldo Dell’ Ariccia told journalists today at a press conference that the removal of more than a third individuals as a demonstration of goodwill from the bloc to fully engage the Southern African country that has made some progress economically and socially since the inception of the Government of National Unity (GNU), three years ago.
“In recognition of these developments and to encourage further progress in the implementation of the GPA (Global Political Agreement), the EU has today decided to remove 51 individuals and 20 entities who are still considered to be involved in or associated with policies and activities that undermine human rights, democracy and the rule of law will remain subject to these measures,” said Ariccia.
The EU imposed targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe and in particular individuals within and those with connections to Zanu PF in 2002 and has periodically been reviewing the list. However, the removal of the 53 individuals is to date the biggest gesture from the bloc.
“The European Union is committed to supporting the peaceful progress and democratic development of the people of Zimbabwe. It reaffirms its support for the full implementation of the Global Political Agreement. It also welcomes progress made towards the creation of a conducive environment for the holding of free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections through of a Roadmap sponsored by SADC,” said Ariccia.
The hiatus that was ushered in by the fibrous coalition government has been threatened by some Zanu PF hardliners who are bent on scampering the country’s efforts to write a new people driven constitution, but Ariccia said that they have based their latest reviews on facts such as progress made with the constitution writing process.
Post published in: Africa News