The European Council remains deeply concerned by the situation in Zimbabwe and reiterates the need for the upcoming second round of presidential elections on 27 June to be held in a peaceful, free and fair environment in accordance with international norms and standards.

Violence so far, intimidation and action taken against NGOs to suspend aid and international access to rural areas, heighten further the fears of the Zimbabwean people and the international community about the conditions under which this poll, crucial for the future of Zimbabwe, will be held.

The European Union regrets that its offer to provide monitors has been rejected. It is vital that ordinary Zimbabweans vote on election day and their votes are counted swiftly and transparently in accordance with the Southern Africa Development Community's own rules and standards. Zimbabweans should be allowed to choose their future freely, which will open the way for delivering political stability to the country.

A free and fair presidential runoff is critical to the resolution of the ongoing crisis. The European Council calls on the SADC and the African Union to deploy a significant number of election monitors as soon as possible and to ensure their continued presence until the electoral process is completed and results officially declared. The European Council reiterates its readiness to take additional measures against those responsible for violence. The EU stands ready to support and reengage with a democratic, legitimate and reform-minded government in Zimbabwe.

Extract from the Presidency Conclusions of the Brussels European Council June 20 2008 (see here PDF)