Mugabe seeks repeal of Western sanctions

ZIMBABWE is talking to the US and EU over the repeal of sanctions, according to an economic policy document, the first sign the new government may be gaining the confidence of Western powers.

But Washington rejected President Robert Mugabe’s call to ease sanctions on the impoverished African country, saying the government had “a long way to go” before this could happen.

The document, released yesterday by the unity government, said political reforms demanded by Western donors were a crucial part of an emergency recovery plan to ease hyper-inflation and widespread shortages of food and fuel.