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The Democratic Alliance yesterday said it has written to the European Union calling for the renewal of targeted sanctions, imposed on the government of Zimbabwe in 2002.

"The renewal of sanctions is even more crucial in the light of amended legislation regarding land seizures passed by the Zimbabwean Parliament this week," the party said in a statement.

"The DA has also expressed its unreserved support for the January 15 resolution of the European Parliament on this matter".

The DA added that in the past, the owners of land, which was about to be seized had to be informed through an initial notice of intent of acquisition, which had to be served in person.

Now this can be done by publishing a notice in the government's gazette.

Large estates and plantations are reportedly the target of these amendments, which were pushed through Parliament despite fierce protests by members of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), it added.

"The latest amendments are yet another example of the Zimbabwean government's use of draconian legislation, allowing it to disregard the rights of its citizens. Clearly, the situation has deteriorated immensely since the EU's earlier decision regarding sanctions and continued pressure is crucial in order to restore democracy and the rule of law," the DA's Dan Maluleke said in a statement.

The DA's letter calls on the EU to adopt a number of measures previously suggested to the South African government. These include: - A ban on all arms sales to Zimbabwe. - A blanket embargo on travel by senior Zanu-PF officials to Europe. - A freeze of all Zanu-PF assets in EU based financial institutions. -A widening of sanctions to include the financial backers of Zanu-PF.

"The combined efforts of governments, international institutions and civil society groups will be needed if the crises in Zimbabwe is to be ended.

The EU's continued use of targeted sanctions plays a vital role in this effort". – Sapa.

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