Zimbabwe approves EU observers

The opposition says intimidation will stop them winning

Thirty observers from the European Union have been accredited to observe next month's presidential elections in Zimbabwe.

But they only come from countries which Zimbabwe says are not biased and hostile to them - suggesting the row with the EU is not yet resolved.

Banned EU countries

Sweden

Britain

Germany

The Netherlands

Denmark

Finland

The Swedish head of the EU observers, Pierre Schori, who is from one of six European countries blacklisted by Zimbabwe, told the BBC he thought it would still be possible to monitor next month's presidential election effectively, in spite of the difficulties.

But he did not seek accreditation himself. He was described by the Zimbabwean Government when he arrived at the weekend as a "mere tourist".

Mr Schori said they were trying to be pragmatic in order to be present on the ground.

The acceptance of EU electoral observers is a key condition laid down by Brussels for the avoidance of targeted sanctions against leading members of the Zimbabwean Government.

Sanctions

If implemented, the sanctions would include a travel ban on Mr Mugabe, his family and close associates, a freeze on any assets they might hold in EU member states, and a suspension of long-tem development aid.

Mr Schori says he is trying to behave pragmatically

The EU members have also said they will impose those sanctions if they believe that the voting has not been free and fair, or if media coverage of it is restricted.

A report is being prepared for a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels next Monday, and it is thought a decision could be taken then.

President Mugabe is expected to face his toughest challenge in his 22 years in power in the 9-10 March poll.

International pressure on Zimbabwe to allow observers has grown as human rights groups have warned of a "climate of fear and terror" in the run-up to the elections.

On Wednesday evening, dozens were reported injured when self-styled war veterans and ruling party supporters rampaged through Zimbabwe's second city of Bulawayo.