Brussels, 21 October 2009 Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the situation in Zimbabwe

The European Union is concerned over the situation in Zimbabwe, including insufficient developments with regard to respect for human rights and democracy, unresolved nomination and appointment issues and continued politically motivated harassment of MDC members. Following mediation by the SADC, the Zanu-PF, MDC-T and MDC-M parties agreed to cooperate in a government and in the implementation of the Global Political Agreement (GPA). However, elements within Zanu-PF have consistently failed to accept real power-sharing and to demonstrate a willingness to assist in the implementation of the reforms to which they have committed.

The EU encourages SADC to resolve the current crisis and to call for swift implementation of the GPA and the reform agenda. It also calls on the SADC and South Africa, as guarantors of the GPA, to make all efforts to create a constructive environment in which outstanding issues can be resolved.

The EU remains committed to a political dialogue with the Inclusive Government and reiterates that the key to re-engagement with Zimbabwe will be the implementation of the GPA.

The Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia align themselves with this declaration.

European EC Rapid Press Release PESC/09/118, copyright European Commission.
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