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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, EU sources said.
The EU imposed sanctions, including a travel ban, in 2002.The EU imposed sanctions, including a travel ban, in 2002.
It said it was in response to human rights abuses and political violence under Mr Mugabe's rule.It said it was in response to human rights abuses and political violence under Mr Mugabe's rule.
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.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.
Mr Mugabe, 89, and his rival, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, 61, have been sharing power since disputed elections marred by violence in 2008.
'Worrying signs'
The 27-member European Union said it had agreed to "immediately suspend" restrictive measures against 81 individuals and eight entities.
"The EU congratulates the people of Zimbabwe on a peaceful, successful and credible vote to approve a new constitution," the EU said in a statement, adding that it "represents a significant step" towards general elections.
The new constitution - endorsed by both Mr Mugabe and Mr Tsvangirai and overwhelming approved by voters - expands civil liberties in Zimbabwe. Fresh elections are expected to be held some time this year.
Earlier on Monday, a court in Zimbabwe granted bail to prominent lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, who was detained a day after the referendum.
She was charged with obstructing justice after she intervened in a raid on the offices of Mr Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in which three computers are alleged to have gone missing.
Four MDC members were also arrested during the raid.
They all deny the charges and say they were compiling information on corruption.
Allies of Morgan Tsvangirai say the arrests are a sign that critics of President Mugabe will face intimidation ahead of the elections.
Both men - who have repeatedly called for a peaceful poll - are expected to be the main contenders in the presidential election.