Council of the European Union, Council Conclusions on Zimbabwe, 2914th GENERAL AFFAIRS Council meeting, Brussels, December 8 2008

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1. The Council reiterates its deep concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe, particularly as a result of the cholera epidemic and the continuing violence against supporters of the MDC.  It reaffirms the European Union's commitment to the Zimbabwean people through a substantial and long-standing programme of humanitarian aid. It shares the opinion expressed by the "Group of Elders" in their statement on the crisis in Zimbabwe.  It considers unacceptable the decision to bar its members from even entering Zimbabwe. The Council demands respect for the principles of humanitarian aid and, in particular, respect for the principle of impartiality and equal access to humanitarian aid for the entire Zimbabwean population.

2. The Council notes the conclusion of an agreement in principle between the parties on constitutional amendment number 19, the entry into force of which is one of the prerequisites for the implementation of the political agreement of 15 September. It nevertheless regrets the long standoff in negotiations since the agreement was signed and hopes that an agreement satisfactory to all parties can be reached soon. Eight months after the elections and almost three months after the initial power sharing agreement was signed, the Council recalls the importance of reaching a fair and viable power sharing agreement without delay. It calls for the cessation of unilateral decisions, such as the decision to confirm the appointment of the Governor of the Central Bank, which contradict the spirit of the agreement. The Council stresses the need for all parties to acknowledge that, if it is to be both lasting and democratic, the outcome of negotiations must reflect the will and choice of the Zimbabwean people as expressed in the 29 March elections.

3. The Council underlines the importance of the SADC, the African Union and the UN remaining actively engaged vis-à-vis the parties in order to reach a lasting and equitable solution. The Council emphasises the importance of remaining vigilant in relation to the possible consequences for the region of a continuation in the deterioration of the humanitarian situation and destabilisation of Zimbabwe.

4. The Council has decided to update the list of persons subject to EU individual restrictive measures, in particular by adding to the list names of persons actively engaged in violence or human rights infringements.

5. The Council reaffirms that the European Union stands ready to support the economic and social recovery of Zimbabwe once a government reflecting the will of the Zimbabwean people has been formed and shows tangible signs of a return to respect for human rights, rule of law and macroeconomic stabilisation.

Issued by the Council of the European Union (PDF) December 8 2008