EU poised to reconcile with Zimbabwe

HARARE: Following Zimbabwe's dramatic military coup – that was not really a coup according to some – and the country's international pariah status and isolation, it appears Harare's relationship with the EU is on the mend.

The EU released a report on its conclusions about the situation:

The political transition creates high expectations among all Zimbabweans. It can open the way to a full return to the rule of law, within a constitutional framework and under civilian rule, allowing for the preparation and implementation of political and economic reforms.

The EU reaffirms its availability to engage constructively with the new authorities including through a structured political dialogue, with political actors across the spectrum, and civil society, on the basis of a mutual commitment to shared values focused on human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law.

It will do so in co-ordination with African and international partners.

The upcoming electoral process will be an essential step. The EU welcomes the commitment of the authorities to hold elections in line with the constitution, and underlines the importance of the conditions being in place to allow the elections to be peaceful, inclusive, credible and transparent.

The EU would consider favourably electoral observation, provided that the required conditions were fulfilled and an invitation from the government was received.

The EU welcomes the authorities' stated intention to deliver economic reforms, aimed at supporting job creation, growth and sustainable long-term development, and reaffirms its willingness to support the planning and implementation of much-needed structural changes and the promotion of good governance.

In this context, the EU will support the authorities in establishing, as soon as possible, a constructive re-engagement with international financial institutions based on a clear and time-bound economic and political reform programme.

The EU stands ready to review its policies towards Zimbabwe and take into account the progress achieved. – ANA