Appeal from Zimbabwe Netzwerk to the European Commission

Mr. Louis Michel
European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid

Berlaymont, rue de la loi 200

B 1049 Bruxelles

Appeal from Zimbabwe Netzwerk (Germany) to the Federal Government and the European Commission for quick Provision of Means in Support of a New Beginning in Zimbabwe

The desperate situation of the people of Zimbabwe, however, requires decisive international support activities. Any "probation period" for the new government will exacerbate the suffering of the people in the country.

In its first statements the new government of Zimbabwe has clearly pointed out the need for massive international support to safeguard a successful new start. So far, however, it is not yet clear what concrete demands and requests have been made to the German Government or the EU. All the same, we urgently appeal to you not to attach your decisions to the precondition of a "probation period".

In our view, the new government is the only alternative to further catastrophic deterioration of living conditions, continuing stepping up of repression, or sharpening of the situation into a war-like scenario of untold consequences. Simultaneously it offers chances for a breathing space and room for the unfolding of those forces that promote the development of a new democratic Zimbabwe.

The initial stage is of critical importance to the success of the new government. It is with such a financial push only that the potential of this government could be utilised against all odds. Necessary political and economic reforms will only materialise through a step by step pro-cess. This can only be initiated if forces that promote reforms will have something to show for quickly.

The need for additional support is immense in Zimbabwe.

• Despite the fact that Zimbabwe presently receives substantial humanitarian aid there is still further need for emergency aid in the areas of medical care and food supply according to reports from aid organisations presently operating in the country.
• In any case, sustainable humanitarian aid has to be coupled with efforts in reconstruction in the fields of water and sanitation, health and education as well as supply of seeds and fertilisers to farmers.
• Restarting the economy of the country as well as developing necessary economic and political reforms requires substantial financial inputs right from the beginning.

Zimbabwe has been promised substantial aid throughout in case of a new beginning. Please do not hesitate to grant this aid quickly as well as promote European Union influence in this direction at international level and in international financial institutions.

Bielefeld, 16 March 2009

Dr. Gisela Feurle	Christoph Beninde
For the Zimbabwe Netzwerk Board	Secretary