European Union calls for quick new Zimbabwe poll

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THE European Union called on Friday for a new election as soon as possible in Zimbabwe after a short transition from the rule of President Robert Mugabe.

"The European Union will only accept a formula which respects the will of the Zimbabwean people as it was expressed in the elections of March 29, 2008," a statement by the French EU presidency said, referring to a first round ballot won by opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

"The result of this vote must be the basis for a political settlement ... This transition period must be as brief as possible," the statement said.

"The aim of any solution must be the rapid holding of a new, free, democratic and transparent consultation of the Zimbabwean people."

Mugabe was declared re-elected after a June 27 runoff in which he was the only candidate once Tsvangirai withdrew in protest at violence and intimidation by the security forces and government-backed militia against opposition supporters.

The EU, which refused to recognise Mugabe's victory, called for an end to all forms of violence and said it was prepared to study quickly "appropriate individual measures against those responsible for this violence".

African observers declared the second round vote neither free nor fair, and an African Union summit this week called on Mugabe to negotiate with the opposition.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and the European Commission have said the EU will only accept an interim government that is headed by Tsvangirai. - Reuters
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