Dear Ministers,

I write to you as the co-ordinator for Zimbabwe Watch to express the concern of the reports of beatings, torture, political killings, forced evictions and arbitrary arrests in the context of the run-up to presidential elections in Zimbabwe, 9 and 10 March 2002. Zimbabwe Watch is a consortium of Dutch NGO's which are all active in and concerned about the present situation in Zimbabwe.

In the light of the pattern of politically motivated human right violations around elections and the campaign before them, Zimbabwe Watch believes that the EU should take a firm stand towards the Zimbabwean government and consequently should appeal to the Zimbabwean government to:

- call on the Zimbabwean authorities to grant EU-monitors (and other international monitors) immediate access and unhindered movement in the country.
- ensure that such an initiative reports publicly on human right violations and abuses of the election process they see.
- to maintain the right to freedom and expression through the media.
- allow Zimbabwean civil society organizations to conduct civic and voter education.

Zimbabwe Watch appeals to the international community in the context of forthcoming meetings of the Council, to exercise all possible influence on the Zimbabwe government to ensure it complies with its legal obligations under international treaties and as the presence of domestic and international observers is one of the most effective means of curtailing intimidation and of attacks on opposition activists by ruling party supporters we strongly recommend to pressure the Zimbabwean government on an EU-election mission.

Failing the Zimbabwean's government satisfactory implementation of these measures, we strongly endorse and urge the application of the "smart sanctions" already under study by the EU.

Yours faithfully,

W.Bassie
Co-ordinator Zimbabwe Watch