EU Foreign Affairs Council agrees conclusions on Zimbabwe

By United Kingdom - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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EU Foreign Affairs Council agrees conclusions on Zimbabwe

LONDON, United-Kingdom, July 23, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Foreign Secretary, William Hague, today attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels with other European Foreign Ministers.

The Foreign Secretary said:

“The decision reached today, proposed by the UK, represents an important step-change in the EU's approach to Zimbabwe. We have made clear that we would respond to a peaceful and credible referendum in Zimbabwe, due to take place in the Autumn, with a suspension of the majority of EU Restrictive Measures, but not including those on Mugabe. This approach will demonstrate to reformers across the political spectrum that the EU is serious about responding to concrete progress on the ground and reflects our confidence in the facilitation process being undertaken by President Zuma and the leaders of SADC. It also puts the onus on the Government of Zimbabwe to live up to their commitments. These decisions will be kept under constant review and if the situation deteriorates, we will of course not hesitate to respond appropriately.”