The European Union (EU) on Monday welcomed an agreement between political parties in Zimbabwe to form a government of national unity.
The EU hopes that the political solution reached will lead to the immediate end to political violence and intimidation and the immediate release of all political prisoners, said a statement issued by the Czech Republic, which holds the rotating EU presidency.
The EU also hopes that the new government of national unity will demonstrate its commitment to reform, including by repealing repressive legislation, appointing a credible finance team and creating the conditions for economic stabilization, said the statement.
The EU reiterated its willingness to help the people of Zimbabwe through its humanitarian aid program and to support the economic and social recovery of Zimbabwe "once the new government shows tangible signs of a return to respect for human rights, the rule of law and macroeconomic stabilization."
EU foreign and security policy chief Javier Solana welcomed the political progress in Zimbabwe on Sunday.
"I call on all parties to comply in good faith with the agreement reached. Only in the context of an equitable political solution, the plight of the Zimbabwean people can be alleviated," Solana said in a statement.