via EU to resume aid in November, minister 10/10/2014
THE European Union (EU) will probably resume development aid to Zimbabwe that had been suspended for more than a decade, Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa said this week, in the latest step towards the country stabilising relations with donors.
Speaking in Washington on Monday, Chinamasa said, the EU would probably lift an aid freeze on November 1 under the Cotonou Agreement, which covers co-operation between Europe and African nations.
The EU withheld assistance channelled directly to Harare in 2002 over concerns the government was undermining democracy and the rule of law.
“With respect to the EU, we have some promise that Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement sanctions will lapse on November 1,” Chinamasa said.
That would pave the way for Zimbabwe to “negotiate European Development Fund funding from the EU. Time will tell whether that promise will be fulfilled.”
The EU has been gradually removing sanctions it imposed on allies of President Robert Mugabe to support the nation’s political reforms, including enacting a new constitution.
An arms embargo remains in place and Mugabe, his wife and the Zimbabwe defence industry remain under sanctions.
An election last year that extended Mugabe’s mandate by five years was marred by a lack of transparency, it said. The 28-member bloc has earmarked US$295 million for development aid to Zimbabwe over six years.
The EU might lift the restrictions “provided there is no serious deterioration in the governance and human rights situation”, in line with a decision taken in a February review, Giles Enticknap, the acting head of the EU’s delegation in Zimbabwe, said yesterday.
“The EU’s goal is to support the people in achieving a more prosperous and democratic Zimbabwe, as a foundation for the future full normalisation of relations.
COMMENTS
Any possible western aid for the suffering Povo is welcome as we know it won’t be paid into ministry of kleptomania. NGO’s know best. Where is the china Russia Arab aid by the way ??????
All gone, well recieved and now back in Asia safe from prying eyes.
I won’t hold my breath waiting.
Just transfer the funds to Singapore save bank charges and the bulls””t about it going to the needy. I’ll give you Bobs account details if you need it in Singapore.
Letters need to be sent to the european and british newspapers so the public can see that their governmennts are donating “wa benzis’ to these thieving african dictators.
With hold the money until the govt makes positive steps ,otherwise they will expect to be bailed out every time ,they do not want to do the right thing!Stop all aid and money please!
Does not say much for the E.U embasies in Harare to ok this aid to a bunch of thieves.