Zimbabwe: EU sanctions are extended for year

The European Union extended sanctions on Zimbabwe for a year yesterday and expressed concern about political violence, but removed 35 people from a list of those affected by asset freezes and visa bans.

An EU review noted progress in addressing Zimbabwe's economic crisis and in delivery of basic social services. But the EU foreign policy chief Baroness Ashton said: "Economic and social developments have not been matched by equivalent progress on the political front." She said further reforms were essential before credible elections.