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Friends of Zimbabwe pledge broad support as Zimbabwe moves down the path of democracy and human rights
US Embassy
June 30, 2011

The Friends of Zimbabwe group of donor countries and multilateral organizations met in Brussels, Belgium on June 28 to discuss how to support the current political and economic situation in Zimbabwe and efforts underway in the region to facilitate free and fair elections. The group pledged it is, "ready to broaden our support as the country moves further down the path of democracy and respect for human rights."

The group released a communiqué June 28 praising stronger regional engagement and reiterating its continued commitment and support for a prosperous and democratic Zimbabwe. While commending macroeconomic stabilization begun in 2009, it also emphasized that the economy remains fragile and in dire need of domestic and foreign investment. The group repeated previous calls for an end to ongoing political violence and intimidation, the disregard of human rights, and weak rule of law, as well as politically-motivated arrests.

In particular, the group commended SADC and South African President Zuma for the progress made in facilitating the implementation of the Global Political Agreement and in calling for the necessary conditions for democratic elections. The group stated, "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."

The Friends of Zimbabwe group is composed of the principal donor countries and multilateral organizations committed to improving Zimbabwe's democratic and economic development. Combined, group members provided Zimbabwe with USD 587 million in assistance in 2010 and intends to further increase its aid in 2011. Friends of Zimbabwe assistance is given to support democratic reform, the reestablishment of basic health and education services, and improving livelihoods and social protection for the poorest Zimbabweans, especially women and children. The group also contributes to the recently established ZIMFUND managed by the African Development Bank to support the rehabilitation of critical water and power supplies.

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