HARARE - The European Union is committed to restoring relations with Zimbabwe as long as the country sticks to the principles of the Global Political Agreement, the Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Commission Xavier Marchal has said. This is despite continuing with restrictive measures against President Robert Mugabe and his allies. Speaking at the occasion to mark Europe Day held in Harare Marchal said: The EU recognises the GPA and is committed to increasing assistance to Zimbabwe under the GPA.
Europe Day is celebrated on May 9 every year. Signed between Zanu (PF) and former opposition party MDC in February last year, the GPA has, as part of its provisions, the re-engagement of the International Community after Zimbabwes 10 years of isolation.
Last year Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai toured European countries in a re-engagement effort but the continued impasse over the implementation of the GPA has remained the major blockage to the full restoration of the EU-Zimbabwe relations.
Under its Short Term Strategy (STS) in direct support of the GPA, the EU had increased funding to Zimbabwe, amounting to 120 million Euros at the end of 2009, compared to the 70 million for 2008. As part of its new commitments for the social sectors, the education sector will benefit from the 7.5 million euros allocated to the Education Transition Fund (ETF), 5.26 million euros is going towards the improvement of the most vulnerable under the Protracted Relief Programme. 16.3 million Euros is set to go to Governance in support of the implementation of the GPA, the constitution making process, promotion of governance reforms and national healing,
In response to the GPA in 2009, the 27 EU member states have since committed a total of 274 million Euros. The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Authur Mutambara, Secretary in the Prime Ministers officer Ian Makone, Mavambo leader Simba Makoni among other top politicians, diplomats and civic society leaders.
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