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sanctions list in relation to the violation of human rights and undemocratic practices,” said the source.
However, efforts to get the letter were fruitless as both the EU head of delegation to Zimbabwe Ambassador Mr Aldo Dell’ Ariccia and the Attorney-General Mr Johannes Tomana chose to keep the contents under wraps.
Mr Tomana, the Government chief lawyer, had given the EU a 14-day ultimatum to justify the sanctions.
Last night, Mr Tomana confirmed that his office had been served with the EU response to the ultimatum issued on September 1 this year.
However, he refused to divulge the contents of the response.
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But a source said the EU’s response showed that various people and companies were placed under sanctions on the basis that “they have ties with Government”.
“What is absurd is that the EU asserts that grounds listed on the annex to the EU Council decision are grounds constituting the basis for designation in respect of each entry.
“Can that seriously constitute a factual and legal basis for designating a person as subject to the restrictive measures?” queried the source adding, “entities owned by Government are designated because they are owned by Government. Is that not comical?”
Ambassador Dell’ Ariccia last night confirmed the response had since been sent to the AG’s Office.
“Indeed the Cabinet of the President of the EU Council answered in writing to the Attorney-General.
“The letter was sent end of last week or beginning of this week. We received
it and was sent by fax to the AG,” he said.
Ambassador Dell’ Ariccia, however, could not shed more light.
“I can’t say anything about the contents because it is the communication between the Head of State (President Mugabe) and the EU president, I am not at liberty as a diplomat to divulge the contents. Talk to the
Attorney-General who might be keen to share with the Press,” said Ambassador Dell’ Ariccia.
However, the ambassador said the EU respected the rule of law and governance was important for them.
“In the framework of the rule of law whichever decision can be challenged before the courts,” he said.
“There are mechanisms that guarantee the protection of the rights of all citizens within EU and outside it.
“There are mechanisms, which are foreseen to protect these rights. So in general terms and beyond the specific case of the letter of the AG to the president of the council of the EU, all actions of the regional bloc are taken in the framework of the rule of law and the guarantee of the respect of the individual rights,” he said.
Online Reporter