US may tighten sanctions on Zimbabwe

Washington has said it will maintain targeted sanctions Zimbabwean individuals and businesses, dismissing claims that the measures had caused an economic downfall.

Currently, the list of specially designated nationals includes 113 individuals and 70 entities.

The US government said the disputed July 31 elections were proof enough that President Mugabe and his cronies were not ready for democracy, warranting removal of sanctions.

"In the future, we may add new names to the list or remove others, as conditions warrant," said deputy assistant secretary Shannon Smith for Bureau of African Affairs at the US State Department.

Smith was presenting a statement at a hearing on Zimbabwe before the US House Foreign Affairs Sub-Committee on Africa, Global Health Rights and International Organisations last weekend.

However, EU is divided on Zimbabwe.