EU-Zimbabwe launch new era in ties

The European Union and Zimbabwe on Thursday launched a new era in relations with their first official talks in seven years, with the EU vowing to fully restore ties once "sticking points" are overcome.

"Today's meeting lays the foundation for a renewed relationship between the European Union and Zimbabwe," EU Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Louis Michel told reporters after talks with Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

"Your new government offers a unique political opportunity to see Zimbabwe re-engage with the international donor community. But in order to kickstart this re-engagement we need clear progress on certain sticking points."

Apart from a resumption of national political dialogue, the EU presidency called for an end to politically-motivated violence and for the security services to come under government control.

It also demanded that the rule of law be strengthened and media freedoms improved, as well as more transparency in the financial system and reforms to the central bank.

Tsvangirai and his rival President Robert Mugabe formed on February 11 a power-sharing government tasked with steering Zimbabwe back to stability after disputed elections last year plunged the country into crisis.

Tsvangirai, who has won pledges of humanitarian aid on his trip but not the substantial development assistance he seeks to push the economy forward, said he was satisfied with the EU's commitment.