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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• Conclusions du Conseil de l'UE sur le Zimbabwe (22/7/2008)
• La Commission européenne apporte un soutien supplémentaire en faveur de la réconciliation des sociétés victimes d'atteintes aux droits de l'homme (1/7/2008)
• Déclaration de Solana, Haut Représentant de l'Union européenne pour la PESC, à l'occasion du second tour de l'élection présidentielle au 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)