Nordic Prime Ministers express concern about the situation in Zimbabwe

At their informal meeting in Vadstena, the Nordic prime ministers expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe

Violence is spreading, members of the opposition are being harassed and the humanitarian situation is worsening.

In this context, the prime ministers are deeply concerned about the statement of President Mugabe at the weekend, which serves to further undermine the conditions for a fair election.

The Nordic prime ministers call upon the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union and the countries in the region to step up pressure on the authorities in Zimbabwe to allow free and democratic elections, and give access to international election observers and humanitarian organisations. The SADC has a particular responsibility for the continued political process.

The Nordic countries confirm their willingness to contribute to the stability and reconstruction of the country as soon as democracy and human rights are respected there.

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Oct 21 2009 EU concerned over situation in Zimbabwe
Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the situation in Zimbabwe:
Oct 16 2009 MDC-T disengage with ZANU-PF
Following the arrest of MDC Treasurer General Roy Bennett, Morgan Tsvangirai announced on October 16 that his party MDC will disengage with coalition party ZANU-PF on all levels, but will not pull out of the inclusive government. The EU Presidency published the following statement concerning Bennett's arrest:
Sep 30 2009 Swedish support to launch of YET Youth Fund
In late September Youth Empowerment and Transformation (YET) officially launched its Youth Fund. YET is a national youth initiative that has cooperated with the Swedish development agency SIDA since 2008 in promoting youth work and push forward marginalised groups in the national political debate.
Sep 30 2009 New report on Zimbabwe-South Africa relations
The Southern African Liaison Office (SALO), which is supported by SIDA and the EU among others, published the following report on the relations between Zimbabwe and neighbouring South Africa.
Sep 28 2009 Launch of NewsDay
During the official launch of Zimbabwe’s newest independent daily newspaper, the Swedish ambassador H. E. Sten Rylander held a key note address (see full speech below) about the progress made in Zimbabwe concerning media liberalization and the importance of freedom of press as well as free flow of information.
Sep 14 2009 Road to Restoration of Zimbabwe Education
A multi million US dollar Education Transition Fund was launched in Zimbabwe on Monday 14 September that aims to provide a textbook to every child and eradicate a ratio of one book per 10 school pupils. The event was officiated by Minister David Coltart at Mutasa Primary School in Highfield, Harare. (See full speech among related files.)
Sep 12 2009 EU Troika: “Key to re-engagement is implementation of GPA”
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Sep 4 2009 Swedish Trade Council in Zimbabwe – an investment country for Swedish companies?
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Aug 17 2009 The Swedish Archbishops visit to Zimbabwe
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Aug 4 2009 Some optimism in the air as talk of a freer media in Zimbabwe surfaces
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Jul 21 2009 New National Vision for Zimbabwe
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Apr 6 2009 Statement by Participants in Zimbabwe Like-Minded Meeting, Washington, DC
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Apr 1 2009 Press Release - Sweden increases humanitarian assistance to Zimbabwe
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Dec 3 2008 Gunilla Carlsson on the situation in Zimbabwe
"The violence, which is once again increasing, must cease and extensive reforms be introduced to turn developments in Zimbabwe around. The SADC and neighbouring countries have a major responsibility. The AU and the UN must also increase their commitment and play their part in jointly resolving the situation that has arisen"
Oct 13 2008 UN Secretary-general welcomes agreement in Zimbabwe on government of national unity
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Jul 23 2008 Statement by EU Foreign Ministers
"The Council regrets that the Zimbabwean people were unable to vote freely in the election on 27 June, the result of which the EU regards as illegitimate."
Jul 3 2008 Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson's statement on Zimbabwe
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Jun 30 2008 UN Secretary General´s statement on Zimbabwe
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Jun 24 2008 Joint Nordic Statement by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs on the situation in Zimbabwe
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Jun 9 2008 European Commission calls for immediate lifting of ban on humanitarian actions in Zimbabwe
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May 30 2008 "increasing pattern of people being targeted for politically motivated assassination"
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour Arbour condemns murders of opposition activists in Zimbabwe
May 29 2008 Swedish government proposes a policy for Africa
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May 27 2008 EU Conclusions on the situation in Zimbabwe
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May 12 2008 Swedish Ambassador Sten Rylanders speech at World Press Freedom Day
On May 3rd organisations all over the world commemorated what the United Nations announced in 1993 as World Press Freedom Day Zimbabwean journalists and others were gathered in Masvingo, Zimbabwe on Saturday. Key issues called for was the abolishment of repressive media laws, radical media reforms and an end to the use of hate language. Representatives from different organisations agreed that media freedom in Zimbabwe has been rigorously restricted. Amongst a row of constitutional amendments that has been imposed in the last decade, stands the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) which has been used to tighten the space of privately owned newspapers and to clamp down on independent radio and TV-stations. A statement made by the Association of Zimbabwe Journalists stated that “only constitutional reforms can help save us and help the country build a responsible media fraternity, bring more actors in the print and broadcast sectors that continue to be dominated by the state”.
Apr 22 2008 Swedish input on seminar arranged by the Women´s coalition
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Apr 16 2008 Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on Zimbabwe
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Mar 12 2008 Swedish Humanitarian Assistance in response to the 2008 UN Consolidated Appeal for Zimbabwe and a new Multilateral Contribution to WFP
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Dec 28 2007 Food Security for HIV/AIDS affected families
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Nov 21 2007 The Story of Chipo
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