EU sanctions on Zimbabwe 'renewed for another year'
19/02/2010
The EU has made the decision to renew its sanctions against Zimbabwe for another year.
Member states are said to be concerned over the lack of progress being made by the current coalition government.
"In view of the situation in Zimbabwe, in particular the lack of progress in the implementation of the Global Political Agreement [which set up the coalition] signed in September 2008, the restrictive measures should be extended for a further period of 12 months," the EU stated.
Sanctions include a visa ban on a number of Zanu-PF members and people closely associated with the party.
Zanu-PF justice minister Patrick Chinamasa said the EU has "no intention" of allowing the African nation to recover its economy.
He added that the sanctions undermine the stability of the unity government.
Writing for the Telegraph earlier this week, Charlotte Plantive noted that many Zimbabweans have seen their quality of life improve since the coalition was announced last year.
Written by John Curtis
