Addressing journalists at a Press Conference held at the EU offices in Harare today (Tuesday 28 May 2013), Westcott said the EU will respect the will of the people of Zimbabwe, since the people’s choice should be given priority over petty interests.
He said the EU has no regime change agenda but was supportive of democratic processes in Zimbabwe and elsewhere.
“The Zimbabwe electoral process should be peaceful, transparent, free of intimidation, credible in context and process among other democratic requirements,” said Westcott who was on a one and a half day visit to Zimbabwe.
His visit the second in two years, was aimed at normalising relations and build trust between the EU and the Zimbabwe Government.
Westcott said the EU was ready to provide assistance towards the Zimbabwe electoral process through the UN if requested to do so.
He was quick to point out that the assistance would be forthcoming only if there is reason to believe that the election will be free and credible.
The EU said it will remove remaining targeted sanctions against some Zanu (PF) officials if the outcome of coming elections is accepted by Zimbabweans and participating political parties.
SADC was given tribute for its continued efforts towards ensuring that Zimbabwe conducts its elections in an environment conducive for all parties.
The EU expressed hope that all GNU parties were sincere in their contributions towards holding of free and fair elections.
“Zimbabwe has made good progress towards democratisation of the electoral process and all parties involved should be commended for that,” said Westcott.
He congratulated Zimbabweans in general and the GNU in particular for signing the constitutional Bill into Law.
Post published in: News
i salute EU Managing Director for Africa, Nicholas Westcott’s comments on Zimbabwe (EU has no regime change agenda but was supportive of democratic processes in Zimbabwe and elswhere)