§ Lord Blakerasked Her Majesty's Government:
What measures have been taken against Zimbabwe under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries in connection with corruption, the rule of law and human rights. [HL3735]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanMeasures under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement were first taken against Zimbabwe in February 2002 (Council Decision 2002/148/EC) and are still in place following extensions for further 12 month periods in 2003 (Decision 203/112/EC) and 2004 (Decision 2004/157/ EC).
These measures comprise the suspension of EU financial support to Zimbabwe from the European Development Fund (EDF), except for projects that directly support the population. Such projects should assist the social sectors, democratisation, respect for human rights or the rule of law. Humanitarian assistance is not affected by this suspension.
The application of the article of the Cotonou Agreement that ensures the free movement of capital 90WA (Article 12 of Annex 2) is also suspended in relation to Zimbabwe. This suspension allows for the application of the restrictive measures, including a targeted asset freeze, being imposed by the EU against Zimbabwe's governing regime under a separate common position (2004/161/CFSP).