EU Extends Sanctions
On Zimbabwe
Tony Ekata, Pretoria
The
European Union (EU) has extended sanctions on Zimbabwe by
another twelve months, on grounds of a lack of progress in
implementing a power-sharing accord.
A unity government formed last year between President Robert
Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of the
opposition, is beset by trouble, with no agreement over how to
share executive power.
Faltering Deal
Sanctions were first imposed on Zimbabwe in 2004, following
claims of vote rigging and human rights abuses.
A power-sharing deal agreed in 2008 was expected to end a crisis
aggravated by disputed elections, but they have failed to agree
on political reforms that would clear the way for new elections.
The EU also banned the sale of arms for fear that President
Mugabe might use weapons to repress his opponents.
The agreement, brokered by the Southern African Development
Community, had raised hopes that the EU would relax its stance.
Mugabe recently indicated however that he would not continue to
share power with Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change,
unless the Prime Minister convinced the west to lift sanctions.
Target groups
More than 200 individuals and 40 companies with
ties to Mugabe's government are now targeted because of their
suspected links to human rights abuses.
The EU has, however, lifted sanctions on some individuals and
companies, including Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company and the
Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe, saying that
there were no longer grounds to keep them on the list.
With additional reports from Reuters/Yinka
