EU eyes Zimbabwe development aid if crisis lifted

BRUSSELS, July 6 (Reuters) - The European Commission is ready to provide up to 250 million euros ($393 million) in development aid for Zimbabwe's worst-hit sectors if the country gets a legitimate, credible government, the EU's aid chief said. The European Union's executive arm would then also call for an international lifting of debt owed by the country, EU Aid Commissioner Louis Michel said. "I would encourage the rest of the international donor community to make it clear today that it is ready to provide substantial and immediate assistance to Zimbabwe in the wake of a transition towards democracy," Michel said. The EU aid would go towards supporting hospitals, schools or the farming sector, he said in an opinion piece distributed to media. The 27-country European Union called on Friday for a new election as soon as... [read full story]