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Friends of Zimbabwe Brussels statement
Friends of Zimbabwe
June 28, 2011

Encouraged by stronger regional engagement, we met in Brussels on 28 June 2011 to reiterate our continued commitment and support for a prosperous and democratic Zimbabwe.

We welcome the conclusions of the Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of SADC countries held in Sandton on 12 June 2011 on Zimbabwe and commend SADC, and in particular President Zuma, the SADC facilitator on Zimbabwe, on the progress made in their facilitation efforts. The Sandton Summit in another step towards the full implemantion of the Global Political Agreement, new Constitution and laying the foundations for democratic reforms and elections in Zimbabwe. In this regard, we look forward to an acceleration of the implementation of the GPA and an agreement between all political parties to a roadmap that leads to credible and peaceful elections. The appointment of representatives of the Organ Troika to the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC) should strengthen the crucial role of JOMIC.

We support this important process and stand ready to review and adjust, as appropriate, the full range of our efforts and policies in response to real progress in the democratization process.

However, serious concerns remain. Continued violence, intimidation and ongoing arrests demonstrate disregard of human rights. Lack of rule of law and governance remain fundamental challenges. Zimbabweans aspire to live in freedom, peace and free from violence and to be empowered to elect their representatives and Government through democratic elections.

We commend the remarkable macroeconomic stabilization achieved since 2009 and the widespread re-establishment of basic social services. However, economy remains fragile and revenue collection remains limited. To support the economy's recovery and restore it to its previous heights, there needs to be a predictable business environment that attracts domestic and foreign investment and that allow jobs to be created. This requires clear rules for doing business and a respect for contracts and property rights.

We reaffirmed the importance of the Kimberly Process as a whole. In relation to its application to Zimbabwe, we reaffirmed that the primary objective is to ensure that the primary objective is to ensure that Zimbabwe meets the KP minimum requirements so that Marange diamonds will be available on the market, which will benefit all Zimbabweans through greater revenues to the Government. We also reaffirmed the importance for the integrity of the KP that procedures are respected and decisions are taken by consensus. We are willing to continue discussions with all parties to reach agreement on arrangement that will achieve the above primary objective.

We welcome the involvement of the IMF in seeking to maintain economic recovery. Efforts to improve fiscal management and to reduce the public service wage bill by the removal of ghost workers will be strong indicators of commitment which we hope will lead to the initiation of a Staff Monitored Programme. These would be important first steps down the road to an internationally supported programme to reduce the untenable debt position facing Zimbabwe.

Since the inception of the Inclusive Government, we have adjusted our support, as appropriate, from humanitarian support to recovery and more conventional assistance. We provided US 587 million in 2010 and plan to spend USD 594 million in 2011. Our collective investments will continue to increase access to basic health and education services; and will improve livelihoods and provide social protection to the poorest Zimbabweans, especially women and children. These programmes are increasingly aligned with sector strategies of the Inclusive Government and coordination and interaction with line Ministries is improving. In addition, as a sign of our desire to promote growth, with the help of the African Development Bank, The ZIMFUND has been established which will support the rehabilitation of the water and power sectors which are so crucial for the economic and social well being of the country.

Collectively, we stand ready to broaden our support as the country moves further down the path of democracy and respect for human rights.

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