Council conclusions on Zimbabwe

BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, February 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1. The EU welcomes the agreement reached between the political parties in Zimbabwe on a final draft constitution and the announcement of a referendum. This step forward in the implementation of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) adds further momentum to the reform process and paves the way for the holding of peaceful, transparent and credible elections later this year.

2. Recognising the significance of these advances the EU has agreed to suspend immediately the travel ban imposed on 6 Members of the Government of Zimbabwe. The EU has also agreed to delist 21 persons and one entity subject to restrictive measures.

3. The EU is encouraged by the continued commitment of the South African Facilitation

Team and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), as expressed at the recent extraordinary SADC Summits in Dar Es Salaam, in supporting the efforts of the

Zimbabwean parties to implement the GPA and the SADC Roadmap.

4. As demonstrated in July 2012 and the agreement by the Council today the EU, consistent with its incremental approach, stands ready to further adjust its policy to recognise progress as it is made by the Zimbabwean parties along the SADC Roadmap. As stated in the Council Conclusions of July 2012, a peaceful and credible constitutional referendum would represent an important milestone justifying an immediate suspension of the majority of all remaining EU targeted restrictive measures against individuals and entities.

5. Reaffirming its partnership with the people of Zimbabwe, the EU calls on all political parties to maintain the momentum allowing for the holding of democratic elections later this year and to complete the implementation of the GPA and the SADC Roadmap. The

EU reiterates its commitment to political dialogue with the Government of National Unity and to work with any Government formed as the result of a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process."