EU eases Zimbabwe sanctions

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BRUSSELS, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- The European Union's Foreign Affairs Council Monday voted to lift some of its sanctions on Zimbabwe in recognition of political reforms made so far.

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

The EU agreed to suspend immediately its travel ban imposed on six members of the Zimbabwean government and to de-list 21 individuals and one entity subject to restrictive measures.

The European Union said it would be willing to remove remaining sanctions as Zimbabwe makes further progress, noting "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."

The European Union called on all political parties in the country to "maintain the momentum allowing for the holding of democratic elections later this year and to complete the implementation of the [Global Political Agreement] and the [Southern African Development Community] road map."