20120218
AFP
The European Union eased sanctions on Zimbabwe Friday to encourage further progress in political reforms but kept restrictions on veteran President Robert Mugabe.

The 27-nation EU removed a visa ban and assets freeze on 51 individuals and 20 entities with immediate effect, but Mugabe's ZANU-PF party dismissed the move as a "non-event," saying the sanctions are illegal in the first place.

In addition, it suspended the travel ban against Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa and Foreign Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi so they can travel to Brussels for "re-engagement" talks but maintained asset freezes against them.

"The European Union is committed to supporting the peaceful progress and democratic development of the people of Zimbabwe," said EU foreign policy Catherine Ashton.

She welcomed progress made "towards the creation of a conducive environment for the holding of free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections" through a roadmap sponsored by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

"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," she said.

But, she said, "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."

Mugabe was still on the list of people under sanctions.

Human Rights Watch had urged the EU on Thursday to maintain the travel ban and asset freeze on Mugabe until the country follows through on promised political reforms.

Mugabe's ZANU-PF party called for the "unconditional lifting of all sanctions."

"This idea of lifting the sanctions piecemeal is all nonsensical. It's a non-event. The sanctions are illegal," said party spokesman Rugare Gumbo, adding that they were not approved by the United Nations.

Geoffrey Van Orden, a conservative lawmaker spearheading the European Parliament's campaign for reforms in Zimbabwe, welcomed the decision to keep Mugabe on the list.

"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 and journalists alike, the EU is right to keep its measures in place," he said.

The EU sanctions were imposed in 2002 following elections that were marred by widespread violence and intimidation.

Mugabe, who turns 88 this month, and his ZANU-PF party have ruled since independence from Britain in 1980.

But following failed elections in 2008, he was forced into a power-sharing government with his rival Morgan Tsvangirai, now prime minister, a move meant to clear the way to new elections.

The constitutional affairs minister said Wednesday that a referendum on a new constitution could not be held before August, meaning elections would likely take place only next year.

"Whilst we note that the overall situation in Zimbabwe has improved, further political reforms in accordance with the commitments in the GPA are necessary for a democratic and peaceful Zimbabwe," Ashton said, referring to the unity government's Global Political Agreement.

"The EU remains ready to reconsider the measures at any time in response to concrete progress in the implementation of the GPA and the preparation of credible and peaceful elections."

Despite the restrictions, Ashton said the EU has given Zimbabwe $1.0 billion (760 million euros) in development aid since the unity government took power and "stands ready to maintain appropriate levels of funding over the next year."