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M. Continuo

EU eyes Zimbabwe aid if crisis lifted


    BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission is ready to provide up to 250 million euros (199 million pounds) in development aid for Zimbabwe's worst-hit sectors if the country gets a legitimate, credible government, the EU's aid chief said.

    The European Union's executive arm would then also call foran international lifting of debt owed by the country, EU AidCommissioner Louis Michel said.

    "I would encourage the rest of the international donorcommunity to make it clear today that it is ready to providesubstantial and immediate assistance to Zimbabwe in the wake ofa transition towards democracy," Michel said.

    The EU aid would go towards supporting hospitals, schoolsor the farming sector, he said in an opinion piece distributedto media.

    The 27-country European Union called on Friday for a newelection as soon as possible in Zimbabwe after a shorttransition from the rule of President Robert Mugabe.

    Mugabe was declared re-elected after a June 27 runoff inwhich he was the only candidate once the opposition withdrew inprotest at violence and intimidation by the security forces andgovernment-backed militia.

    The European Commission is the most important aid donor toZimbabwe and last year provided 91 million euros inhumanitarian aid and other assistance.

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