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EU lifts some Zimbabwe sanctions, Mugabe still listed
The European Union partially lifted sanctions on Zimbabwe on Friday to encourage further progress in political reforms but kept restrictions on veteran President Robert Mugabe.
The 27-nation EU removed a visa ban and assets freeze on 51 individuals and 20 entities with immediate effect.
In addition, it suspended the travel ban against Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa and Foreign Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi so they can travel to Brussels for talks but maintained asset freezes against them, a diplomat said.
"The European Union is committed to supporting the peaceful progress and democratic development of the people of Zimbabwe," said EU foreign policy Catherine Ashton.
She welcomed progress made "towards the creation of a conducive environment for the holding of free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections" through a roadmap sponsored by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
"We have also decided to extend the restrictions on development assistance for only six months with a view to begin preparing for enhanced cooperation as and when these measures can be lifted," she said.
But, she said, "112 individuals and 11 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 the measures."
Mugabe was still on the list of people under sanctions.
Human Rights Watch had urged the EU on Thursday to maintain the travel ban and asset freeze on Mugabe until the country follows through on promised political reforms.
Mugabe's ZANU-PF party called for the "unconditional lifting of all sanctions."
"This idea of lifting the sanctions piecemeal is all nonsensical. It's a non-event. The sanctions are illegal," said party spokesman Rugare Gumbo, adding that they were not approved by the United Nations.
The EU sanctions were imposed in 2002 following elections that were marred by widespread violence and intimidation.
Mugabe, who turns 88 this month, and his ZANU-PF party have ruled since independence from Britain in 1980.
But following failed elections in 2008, he was forced into a power-sharing government with his rival Morgan Tsvangirai, a move meant to clear the way to new elections.
"Whilst we note that the overall situation in Zimbabwe has improved, further political reforms in accordance with the commitments in the GPA are necessary for a democratic and peaceful Zimbabwe," Ashton said, referring to the unity government's Global Political Agreement.
"The EU remains ready to reconsider the measures at any time in response to concrete progress in the implementation of the GPA and the preparation of credible and peaceful elections."
Zimbabwe is in the process of drafting a new constitution to clear the way for new polls.
But the minister in charge of the process said Wednesday that a referendum on the charter could not be held before August, meaning elections would likely take place only next year.
"The EU reaffirms its desire to engage in a serious political dialogue with Zimbabwe," Ashton.
By suspending the travel ban on Chinamasa and Mumbengegwi, the two ministers, who are the ZANU-PF's members in the Zimbabwean re-engagement team with the EU, will be able to visit Brussels for high-level consultations.
