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EU ready to cooperate with Zimbabwe within six months
25 Feb 2012 at 08:14hrs | Views
WINDHOEK - The European Union (EU) Delegation in Namibia says Europe is ready to sign a formal cooperation agreement with Zimbabwe within six months.
But first Zimbabwe has to follow the Global Political Agreement, hold free and fair elections, as well as show respect for media freedom and human rights.
"We want to have cooperation with Zimbabwe, just as we have with Namibia, and we are willing to consider it in six months' time, but that depends on general political agreement and whether they are making progress towards the roadmap of free and fair elections, media freedom and respect for human rights," Raul Fuentes Milan, the EU head of delegation to Namibia told New Era in an exclusive interview.
The comment from Milan comes just days after the European Union high representative Catherine Ashton issued a statement that the EU "is committed to supporting the peaceful progress and democratic development of the people of Zimbabwe."
The statement also "reaffirms its support for the full implementation of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) which allowed the creation of the Government of National Unity."
It also welcomes progress made towards the creation of a conducive environment for the holding of free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections through the development of the roadmap sponsored by SADC and pays tribute to the efforts of the SADC and the South African Facilitator in accompanying the Zimbabwean Government along that road.
Milan says the EU does not want to dictate politics in Zimbabwe, which he describes as "complicated" given the many parties to the unity government, saying that is up to the Zimbabwean people to decide.
Milan further says the EU is not dictating to Zimbabwe when to have the elections, but rather to emphasise to Zimbabwe that the EU wants to see practical steps taken towards meeting the necessary requirements included in the GPA.
"We are encouraging them to adhere to the roadmap," says Milan.
The EU has removed 51 individuals and 20 entities from the visa ban and asset freeze with immediate effect, motivating the move as "recognition of these developments and to encourage further progress in the implementation of the GPA."
However, about 112 individuals and 11 entities are still considered to be involved in, or associated with, policies and activities that undermine human rights, democracy and the rule of law and they will remain subject to the restrictions.
"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. Despite the restrictions, since the establishment of the GNU, the
EU has provided close to US$1 billion in development assistance to address the needs of the Zimbabwean people, including the provision of health care and education services," says the statement.
Milan says the EU would remain a contributor of development assistance and stands ready to maintain appropriate levels of funding over the next year through the very same institutions that channelled the US$1 billion in development assistance to Zimbabwe.
But first Zimbabwe has to follow the Global Political Agreement, hold free and fair elections, as well as show respect for media freedom and human rights.
"We want to have cooperation with Zimbabwe, just as we have with Namibia, and we are willing to consider it in six months' time, but that depends on general political agreement and whether they are making progress towards the roadmap of free and fair elections, media freedom and respect for human rights," Raul Fuentes Milan, the EU head of delegation to Namibia told New Era in an exclusive interview.
The comment from Milan comes just days after the European Union high representative Catherine Ashton issued a statement that the EU "is committed to supporting the peaceful progress and democratic development of the people of Zimbabwe."
The statement also "reaffirms its support for the full implementation of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) which allowed the creation of the Government of National Unity."
It also welcomes progress made towards the creation of a conducive environment for the holding of free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections through the development of the roadmap sponsored by SADC and pays tribute to the efforts of the SADC and the South African Facilitator in accompanying the Zimbabwean Government along that road.
Milan says the EU does not want to dictate politics in Zimbabwe, which he describes as "complicated" given the many parties to the unity government, saying that is up to the Zimbabwean people to decide.
"We are encouraging them to adhere to the roadmap," says Milan.
The EU has removed 51 individuals and 20 entities from the visa ban and asset freeze with immediate effect, motivating the move as "recognition of these developments and to encourage further progress in the implementation of the GPA."
However, about 112 individuals and 11 entities are still considered to be involved in, or associated with, policies and activities that undermine human rights, democracy and the rule of law and they will remain subject to the restrictions.
"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. Despite the restrictions, since the establishment of the GNU, the
EU has provided close to US$1 billion in development assistance to address the needs of the Zimbabwean people, including the provision of health care and education services," says the statement.
Milan says the EU would remain a contributor of development assistance and stands ready to maintain appropriate levels of funding over the next year through the very same institutions that channelled the US$1 billion in development assistance to Zimbabwe.
Source - newera
