92001E2855

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2855/01

by Bertel Haarder (ELDR) to the Commission

(17 October 2001)

Subject: Zimbabwe

In the light of Parliament's resolution of 6 September 2001 on the situation in Zimbabwe (B5-0549, 554, 571, 581, 582 and 592/2001), will Commissioner Nielson:

- ensure that ZANU-PF activists do not misappropriate humanitarian assistance and food aid for their own use,

- halt all development cooperation assistance granted via the government of Zimbabwe and its agencies,

- initiate measures in relation to Zimbabwe under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement,

- identify and freeze assets held by President Mugabe, his family and named close associates in EU countries and closely associated countries,

- institute a ban on entry to EU countries and closely associated countries by President Mugabe, his family and named close associates?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(11 December 2001)

The General Affairs Council of 29 October 2001 decided, following a proposal from the Commission(1), to invite the Government of Zimbabwe to attend consultations in accordance with Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement.

The Union expressed its concern about the deterioration of the situation in Zimbabwe, in particular in respect to political violence, the preparation and organisation of free and fair elections, protection of the freedom of the media, the independence of the judiciary and an end to the illegal occupation of properties. The Union will raise these concerns in the course of the up-coming consultations, and will seek from the Government of Zimbabwe undertakings to remedy the situation.

It would be premature to make a judgement on the outcome of the consultations with Zimbabwe before they actually take place, in particular in respect to any measures that might be taken.

The Commission is not at present providing any humanitarian assistance or food aid to Zimbabwe.

Its development co-operation assistance consists on projects on HIV/AIDS prevention and control, basic health and primary education for poorest kids. In its view, these types of projects should not be halted.

The possible application of smart sanctions is not decided solely by a Member of the Commission, but by the Community as a whole. These measures fall outside the framework of the Cotonou Agreement. The Commission is now into Article 96 consultations within that Agreement, which does not envisage this type of sanctions.

(1) COM(2001) 623.