Zimbabwe: Statement by EU Commissioner Michel

The European Commission condemns in the strongest terms the organization of a run-off in Zimbabwe despite repeated appeals by African and international authorities for a postponement. We consider that the systematic use of state-sponsored political violence and intimidation which led to the withdrawal of MDC candidate Morgan Tsvangirai has totally undermined the credibility of the process. The results of such a sham election cannot and will not be recognized as legitimate.

We expect strong leadership from the AU and SADC to secure a negotiated political resolution of the crisis and push for a transitional framework for Zimbabwe, to prevent the country from plunging further into the abyss. Any mediation or negotiation must be based on the results of the first run of the elections, where the people of Zimbabwe were able to express their will. We will continue to closely follow the situation in Zimbabwe and we stand ready to support efforts towards ensuring democracy, stability, respect for human rights and economic recovery.

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• EU Council Conclusions on Zimbabwe (22/7/2008)
• La Comisión Europea financia una ayuda adicional en favor de la reconciliación de las sociedades en las que se han vulnerado seriamente los derechos humanos (1/7/2008)
• EUHR Solana on run-off presidential election in Zimbabwe (27/6/2008)
• Statement by EU Commissioner Michel on situation in Zimbabwe (22/6/2008)
• Zimbabwe: EU Commissioner Michel expresses deep concern over crackdown (20/6/2008)
• Zimbabwe: EU Commissioner Michel calls for immediate lifting of ban on humanitarian actions (6/6/2008)
• EU Council Conclusions on Zimbabwe (10/3/2008)