EU Council Conclusions on Zimbabwe

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1. With reference to its conclusions of 15 September 2008, the Council is continuing to keep a close watch on implementation of the agreement signed on that date by both sides in Zimbabwe. It reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that the will of the people of Zimbabwe, as expressed in the elections on 29 March 2008, is respected. In this regard, it condemns the unilateral decision to embark on the formation of a new government that does not meet with the agreement of all the parties.

2. The Council notes the resumption of mediation by the SADC, as announced by its current chairman, under the leadership of Mr Thabo Mbeki, and encourages it to mobilise without delay in order to ensure that the agreement of 15 September enters into effect. The Council highlights the importance of the active support of the international community, in particular the African Union and the United Nations.

3. The Council is ready to contemplate additional measures should implementation of the agreement of 15 September continue to be blocked.

4. The Council remains concerned also at the deterioration in the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe. A further EUR 10 million in aid has just been released by the Commission. Zimbabwe's considerable needs in this area necessitate the continuing, by the Zimbabwean authorities, of unrestricted access for humanitarian purposes.

5. The Council would point to the EU's constant support for the Zimbabwean people. It reaffirms that the EU stands ready, once the agreement of 15 September 2008 is actually implemented and permits the restoration of the rule of law and respect for human rights, to adopt a package of measures to assist in the consolidation of democracy and in the country's economic and social rehabilitation."

| Arriba |

• European Commissioner Louis Michel reaffirms commitment to people of Zimbabwe (17/11/2008)
• Conclusions du Conseil de l'UE Affaires Générales (13/10/2008)
• EU External Relations Council Conclusions (13/10/2008)
• Zimbabwe: EU Commission provides extra €10M in humanitarian aid (25/9/2008)
• EU Council Conclusions on Zimbabwe (15/9/2008)
• Zimbabwe: EUHR Solana is encouraged by recent developments (12/9/2008)
• EU Council Conclusions on Zimbabwe (22/7/2008)
• Zimbabwe: Statement by EU Commissioner Michel (28/6/2008)
• EUHR Solana on run-off presidential election in Zimbabwe (27/6/2008)