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Zimbabwe: Sanctions

Answer

The decision by EU member states to remove 35 people from the list of those affected by its Restrictive Measures on Zimbabwe follows an in-depth assessment of the situation in Zimbabwe. 163 people and 31 economic entities remain subject to the measures for a further 12 months unless all 27 member states unanimously agree to any further relaxation.The 35 people removed from the list comprise three dead, seven spouses, nine former Ministers, eight miscellaneous officials and eight minor ZANU Politburo members. These people were initially included by virtue of their marriage or their position in a pre-Government of National Unity government and have now been removed on the grounds that they are no longer involved in human rights abuses or undermining democracy or the rule of law.We have always said that we will be guided by progress on the ground in Zimbabwe. Since we last reviewed the restrictive measures in February 2010 the Government of Zimbabwe has continued to make progress on economic issues and in delivering public services. However this has not been matched by equivalent political and democratic reform and we are particularly concerned at the recent upsurge in politically motivated intimidation and violence. This has prevented us from agreeing to any more substantial amendments.However, we and our EU partners have emphasised our willingness to revisit the measures at any time should there be further concrete developments on the ground in Zimbabwe. In this context, we fully support the Southern African Development Community and its member states in their effort to facilitate agreement among the parties in Zimbabwe on creating an environment conducive to the holding of free and fair elections.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

42343; 524 c175W

Session

2010-12

Subjects

Sanctions Zimbabwe

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk