EU MAINTAINS PRESSURE ON MUGABE
Posted, February 23, 2010 @ 00:00
EU MAINTAINS PRESSURE ON MUGABE
Brussels 23 February 2010. The EU has decided to keep up its pressure on the Mugabe regime. In a conclusion on Zimbabwe, the European Council Foreign Affairs meeting decided to extend sanctions for another year.
Geoffrey Van Orden MEP, who spearheads the European Parliament's campaign for freedom and democratic change in Zimbabwe, welcomed the decision to maintain restrictions.
Mr Van Orden commented:
"Not much seems to have changed on the ground following the difficult decision by the opposition MDC to sign a 'Global Political Agreement' and enter government alongside Mugabe's Zanu-PF party last year. Zanu-PF activists continue their violent harassment of journalists and MDC supporters. Mugabe still holds the levers of power through his control of the police and army and continues to trample on the basic rights of the Zimbabwean people. Key elements of the economy are still controlled by the Mugabe clique.
"Until Mugabe and his cronies step aside and there is real evidence of change, including free elections, the international community must keep its measures in place. Contrary to the false claims by Mugabe's people, these are not 'sanctions' against Zimbabwe but carefully targeted measures against 197 individuals and 31 companies that have supported Mugabe. We continue to provide direct humanitarian assistance to the people of Zimbabwe - Britain alone has provided £65 million in 2009- and urge African governments - and SADC in particular - to help accelerate change.
"Mugabe must not be let off the hook at this crucial stage."