EU urged to keep up pressure on Mugabe

Strasbourg, 11th February 2010

Strasbourg, 11th February 2010 -- The EU must keep up the pressure on Mugabe. That is the message from MEPs to EU government Ministers as they consider the EU's "restrictive measures", due for renewal next week (February 16). These restrictions have been in place since 2002 and are reviewed annually. Geoffrey Van Orden MEP, who spearheads the European Parliament's campaign for freedom and democratic change in Zimbabwe, has urged EU countries to renew  their  restrictions.Mr Van Orden commented:

"Not much seems to have changed on the ground following the difficult decision by the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) to sign a 'Global Political Agreement' and enter government alongside Mugabe's Zanu-PF party last year. Zanu-PF activists continue to harass journalists and MDC supporters, with the connivance of police and army bosses. Mugabe still grasps the levers of power and manages to trample on the basic rights of the Zimbabwean people. Key elements of the economy are still controlled by the Mugabe clique.

"The MDC Secretary for International Affairs, Professor Eliphas Mukonoweshuro, has stated that most of the issues that led to the imposition of restrictive measures - violence, human rights abuses and violent farm disruptions - remain unresolved"

"Until Mugabe and his cronies step aside and there is real evidence of change, including free elections and an end to harassment of the opposition, then the EU must keep its measures in place. Contrary to the false claims by Mugabe's people, these are not 'sanctions' against Zimbabwe but carefully targeted measures against 203 individuals and 40 companies that have supported the Mugabe kleptocracy. We continue to provide direct humanitarian assistance to the people of Zimbabwe - Britain alone has provided US$100 million in 2009- and need African governments to help accelerate change.

"We therefore urge the EU Council  to set an example and not let Mugabe off the hook just when he is wriggling."

ENDS

Note to editors:

On 2nd February, Mr Van Orden met with leading MDC activists, as well as the MDC Minister for National Healing and Reconciliation, Senator Sekai Holland.  They saw that a little progress has been made but the most basic problems continue. Mr Van Orden emphasised that the continuance of restrictive measures was a matter for the EU to decide, taking note of the real situation on the ground.

Geoffrey Van Orden MEP is contactable at: E-mail: geoffrey.vanorden@europarl.europa.eu; Tel: +32 (0)2284 5332

 

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