The EU Head of Delegation, Aldo Dell’ Ariccia, told journalists in Harare on Monday that sanctions would only be removed after a “violent-free referendum which will lead to democratic elections.”
“As indicated in February this year and consistent with its incremental approach, the EU will further adjust its policy to recognise progress as it is made by the Zimbabwean parties along the SADC roadmap.
“The EU agrees that a peaceful and credible referendum which means a referendum free of violence and intimidation will represent an important milestone in the preparation of the democratic elections.
These will justify the suspension of the majority of all EU targeted restrictive measures against individuals and entities,” Dell’ Ariccia said.
Zimbabwe is expected to hold a referendum soon to decide whether or not to adopt a new constitution whose draft was recently agreed by the major political parties.
In February, the EU lifted some sanctions against 53 top Zimbabwean officials, to support what it said was the power-sharing government's "significant progress" on tackling the country's economic crisis.
Post published in: Africa News