Allister welcomes extension of EU sanctions on Zimbabwe
21 February 2007
On Monday 19 February 2007, EU Competition ministers unanimously decided to extend sanctions against Zimbabwe for a further period of one year, until February 2008. Sanctions were initially imposed on President Mugabe and his brutal regime in 2002 following the country's elections in which an EU mission was banned from observing. The opposition party claimed that the elections were rigged.
President Mugabe believes that some European countries are sympathetic to his cause and insists that EU countries are bowing to pressure from Britain in imposing sanctions. However, these sanctions show that no EU country considers itself to be a haven for him and his cabinet. There had been concern over France dropping the sanctions and allowing Mugabe to attend a summit in Paris; however, this has been quashed following their commitment to the Council Common Position.
The sanctions apply to 130 people, including Mugabe, his current and former cabinets and leaders of his ruling Zanu-PF Party. The blacklist names those allegedly involved in human rights violations. The punitive measures include a travel ban preventing the perpetrators from entering the EU, an assets freeze, an arms embargo and the suspension of aid to Zimbabwe, outside of direct aid to the population.
Mr Allister commented, "The crisis situation in Zimbabwe is deteriorating day by day as a result of the dictatorial regime of Mugabe. The violation of human rights and the lack of respect for the democratic rule of law cannot continue. I therefore welcome the announcement of the intention to continue imposing EU sanctions on Zimbabwe and I hope that these will be maintained until a real and measurable difference is seen."
