Conze charged that elements within Zimbabwe behind the violence such as the clashes that forced suspension of constitutional public hearings in Harare were the ones who want the “the restrictive measures to stay”

Zimbabwe is writing a new constitution as part of reforms agreed by President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to entrench democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights in the country.

But an exercise to gather public views to be put in the proposed constitution has been marred by reports of violence and widespread intimidation blamed on ZANU PF supporters wanting to pressure Zimbabweans to support a new constitution that will not bar Mugabe from standing for re-election, while banning the post of Prime Minister.

Public hearings had to be called off in Harare and the nearby dormitory town of Chitungwiza after violence broke out during meetings more than two weeks ago, leaving at least one person dead and scores of others injured.

Asked by journalists about his recommendation should Brussels inquire from him whether conditions in Zimbabwe warranted lifting of sanctions, Conze said he would recommend that the EU makes “some form of movement” on the punitive measures on condition proposed electoral reforms were carried through and constitutional reforms progress without further violence.

The EU, alongside the United States, Australia, Switzerland and New Zealand, imposed targeted sanctions against Mugabe and his top officials eight years ago as punishment for allegedly stealing elections, human rights violations and failure to uphold the rule of law. 

The sanctions include a ban on weapon sales to the southern African country. 

The Western nations have however maintained humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe including providing food relief and HIV/AIDS support mostly through non-governmental organisations. 

Mugabe, who denies violating human rights or stealing elections, says the sanctions have had a wider impact beyond the targeted individuals to damage Zimbabwe’s once vibrant economy.

By Staff reporter and agencies