EU suspends Zimbabwe sanctions after peaceful poll on new constitution

The European Union has suspended targeted sanctions against a number of Zimbabweans after endorsing a “peaceful and credible” referendum on a new constitution.

Travel bans and asset freezes will remain in place against President Robert Mugabe and nine other people. Sanctions will also continue against the state-run Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation, which has been accused of trading in conflict diamonds.

The move will be criticised by rights monitors who pointed to intimidation by security officials during public consultations to draft the new constitution.  The settlement was endorsed by 95 per cent of voters last week.