EU concern on Zim food aid

2003-08-21 15:41

Brussels - The European Commission said on Thursday it is studying closely the impact of new rules on food aid distribution in Zimbabwe, but said it would be concerned if they hamper its operations in the country.

"We're aware of some changes to the law in Zimbabwe, and we do have some food aid operations in Zimbabwe that are ongoing," said commission spokesperson Michael Mann.

"We would be very concerned if there was some sort of a move to hamper ourselves and people like the World Food Programme from distributing food aid which is a vital service to the people there."

Aid agencies in Zimbabwe reported this week that the new regulations effectively ban relief agencies from independently distributing international food aid to millions of hunger-threatened people.

The order, issued last week, will see the distribution of international food aid shift from relief agencies to local government and village authorities.

"We're asessing exactly what this law means, when it comes into force and what it will mean for us," said the Brussels commission spokesperson, adding that it was too early to give a definitive judgment on the situation.

- AFP