EU to Invite Mugabe
One of the reasons that the EU is apparently superior to individual nations, is its ability to use its size to facilitate change around the world. The reality is that it frequently goes for lowest common denominator politics, an undermines any worthwhile efforts. So it is no surprise that the ban on Comrade Bob is coming under pressure.
Portugal said that it wants to invite all African leaders - including Mr Mugabe - to an EU-Africa summit next year. The Portuguese Prime Minister, Jose Socrates, argued that the EU's position on Mr Mugabe needed to be changed and that "that will happen in February", adding: "The summit cannot be held if we do not invite all African countries."
So even the largely superficial sanctions that were actually agreed to, are now not convenient for some grand standing politician or other. So Mrs Mugabe can look forward to shopping trips in Paris, whilst her countrymen starve under the negligence and venality of her evil husband.
An EU Foreign Policy? That'll be a force for good won't it.
3 comments:
I am already happy if they don't decide to bombe another country for humanitarian reasons. Probably, it is only a matter of time until the EU version of “spreading democracy” will be available.
It's appalling that the West hasn't acted in a more serious manner over Zimbabwe. What's the interest rate like over there now? Still 600%? Still something like 70% unemployment?
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/39ed9a24-8661-11db-86d5-0000779e2340.html
Standard of living plunging in Zimbabwe, report says
By Tony Hawkins in Harare
Published: December 8 2006 02:00
Living standards in Zimbabwe have fallen dramatically over the past decade, with more than half of urban dwellers unable to meet basic needs, according to a report by the country's public service ministry.
On the day the report was released, the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe published figures showing that the cost of living had risen almost 50 per cent in November. A family of five now needs Z$209,000 (£440) a month for basic food, accommodation, transport and clothing. Most urban workers earn less than Z$50,000 a month.
State media reported that the cost of maize meal had risen by 197 per cent last month, cooking oil by 196 per cent and transport fares 50 per cent.
The International Monetary Fund has warned that unless rampant government spending is curbed, inflation, currently at 1,070 per cent, will exceed 4,000 per cent in 2007. Donors and international financial institutions blame the 40 per cent decline in gross domestic product since 1998 on mismanagement by the Mugabe government, specifically in land resettlement.
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2006
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