This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21928152

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
EU suspends sanctions against most Zimbabwe officials EU suspends sanctions against most Zimbabwe officials
(35 minutes later)
The European Union has suspended sanctions against 81 officials and eight firms in Zimbabwe.The European Union has suspended sanctions against 81 officials and eight firms in Zimbabwe.
The decision followed a "peaceful, successful and credible" referendum on a new constitution earlier this month, the EU said in a statement.The decision followed a "peaceful, successful and credible" referendum on a new constitution earlier this month, the EU said in a statement.
However, sanctions will remain in force against Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe and 10 of his top aides, an EU source told Reuters news agency.However, sanctions will remain in force against Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe and 10 of his top aides, an EU source told Reuters news agency.
The EU imposed sanctions, including a travel ban, in 2002.The EU imposed sanctions, including a travel ban, in 2002.
It followed claims that Mr Mugabe's government was becoming increasingly authoritarian. It said it was in response to human rights abuses and political violence under Mr Mugabe's rule.
The new constitution - endorsed by Mr Mugabe and his rival, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai - expands civil liberties in Zimbabwe. Mr Mugabe and his rival, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, have been sharing power since disputed elections marred by violence in 2008.
The new constitution - endorsed by both Mr Mugabe and Mr Tsvangirai - expands civil liberties in Zimbabwe. Fresh elections are expected to be held sometime this year.
"The EU... has today agreed to immediately suspend the application of measures against 81 individuals and eight entities," EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said in a statement.
She said the move was in response to the "peaceful, successful and credible" referendum on a new constitution on 16 March.
Allies of Mr Mugabe have long argued that the sanctions should be unconditionally removed and that they have had a negative impact on Zimbabwe's economy.