European Union lifts Zim Visa ban

The political situation in Zimbabwe has improved sufficiently for the European Union to lift the visa ban and asset freeze on certain entities and individuals.
The European Union (EU) is committed to supporting the peaceful progress and democratic development of the people of Zimbabwe said Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the EU, reaffirming its support for the full implementation of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) which allowed the creation of the Government of National Unity.

It also welcomes progress made towards the creation of a conducive environment for the holding of free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections through the efforts of The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the South African Facilitator.

In recognition of these developments and to encourage further progress in the
implementation of the GPA, the EU has decided to remove 51 individuals and 20
entities from the visa ban and the asset freeze list with immediate effect. The 112 individuals and 11 entities who are still considered to be involved in or associated with policies and activities that undermine human rights, democracy and the rule of law will remain subject to the measures.

“We have also decided to extend the restrictions on development assistance for only six months with a view to begin preparing for enhanced cooperation as and when these measures can be lifted,” said Ashton.

Although there were sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe the EU has nevertheless provided close to US$1 billion in development assistance to address the needs of
the Zimbabwean people, including in the provision of health care and education services.

The EU remains the largest contributor of development assistance and will maintain appropriate levels of funding over the next year. Trade between the EU and Zimbabwe has almost doubled since 2009 making it Zimbabwe’s second largest trading partner.

Travel restrictions on the two ZANU-PF members of the Zimbabwean Ministerial Re-engagement Team were suspended so that the full team can attend high-level consultations in Brussels.

“Further political reforms are necessary for a democratic and peaceful Zimbabwe in accordance with the commitments in the GPA,” concluded Ashton.

click to enlarge BIRTHDAY PRESENT: Zimbabwe received a partial relief from the European Union (EU) when it announced yesterday that it had lifted the long-standing visa ban, and asset freeze on certain entities and individuals. The announcement came as President Robert Mugabe celebrated his 88th birthday, yesterday © File