The Presidency of the EU is deeply concerned by the current electoral process in Zimbabwe. Harassment of the opposition and the campaign of violence in the country have led to opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai's decision to withdraw from the second round of the presidential elections. These circumstances cannot credibly lead to a result that reflects the will of the Zimbabwean people. Therefore the Presidency expresses its full support to the SADC call for the postponement of the second round of the elections.
The Presidency welcomes the efforts of SADC, President Thabo Mbeki, the AU and the UN in finding a solution for the current political crisis and calls on the Zimbabwean authorities to cooperate fully with these efforts.
The Presidency reiterates its call for the immediate cessation of violence, the release of political prisoners and the restoration of access for humanitarian assistance.
