This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/7338890.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Barroso in change plea to Mugabe Barroso in change plea to Mugabe
(31 minutes later)
The EU has made its most outspoken remarks so far on Zimbabwe's presidential elections, saying the people voted for change and freedom.The EU has made its most outspoken remarks so far on Zimbabwe's presidential elections, saying the people voted for change and freedom.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso told reporters the votes of Zimbabweans must count, and should not be "stolen" from them.European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso told reporters the votes of Zimbabweans must count, and should not be "stolen" from them.
"One thing should be clear for Mr Mugabe and his entourage," he said."One thing should be clear for Mr Mugabe and his entourage," he said.
"The people of Zimbabwe want change. They want democracy, respect of human rights, freedom to express ideas.""The people of Zimbabwe want change. They want democracy, respect of human rights, freedom to express ideas."
The EU has repeatedly called for an end in the delay in publishing the results of the presidential poll - but this is the first time it has made it clear that it assumes Zimbabweans have voted for a change in rule.The EU has repeatedly called for an end in the delay in publishing the results of the presidential poll - but this is the first time it has made it clear that it assumes Zimbabweans have voted for a change in rule.
'Peaceful transition'
Mr Barroso said everyone involved in the political process should now contribute to a "peaceful transition" towards a democratic society.Mr Barroso said everyone involved in the political process should now contribute to a "peaceful transition" towards a democratic society.
He added that the EU and other international donors had to be ready to take the Zimbabwean economy out of its "coma". He added that the EU and other international donors had to be ready to help take the Zimbabwean economy out of its "coma".
British Africa minister Lord Malloch-Brown welcomed the remarks as well as the decision by South Africa's governing party leader Jacob Zuma to speak out over delayed results.
He said President Robert Mugabe had succeeded in isolating himself from the whole international community.
"We see the European Commission and, even more importantly, we've heard Zuma from South Africa and other southern African leaders speaking up," he said.