EU lifts some Zimbabwe sanctions, Mugabe still listed

The European Union lifted sanctions Friday on 51 people and 20entities in Zimbabwe, including the justice and foreign ministers, but kept restrictions on President Robert Mugabe, a diplomat said.

Friday, February 17, 2012
President Robert Mugabe

The European Union lifted sanctions Friday on 51 people and 20entities in Zimbabwe, including the justice and foreign ministers, but kept restrictions on President Robert Mugabe, a diplomat said.EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said the EU travel bans and asset freezes were lifted "to encourage further progress” in the implementation of a power-sharing agreement in the national government."The EU has today decided to remove 51 individuals and 20 entities from the visa ban and the asset freeze list with immediate effect,” Ashton said in a statement.But, she said, "112 individuals and 11 entities who are still considered to be involved in or associated with policies and activities that undermine human rights, democracy and the rule of law will remain subject to the measures.”An EU diplomat told AFP Mugabe was still on the blacklist, while Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasaand Foreign Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi were de-listed so they can travel to Brussels as part of "re-engagement efforts”.