Brussels, June 18, SPA -- The European Union told visitingZimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai Todaythat it wants to see improvements in the human rightssituation in his country before the 27-nation bloc willrestore development aid, according to AP. Tsvangirai _ on a trip to Europe and the United States torepair Zimbabwe's tattered ties with the West _ said he waslooking for potential donors ready to make significantcontributions to his economically devastated nation. «What is important up front is to establish a long-termrelationship,» he said at a joint news conference withsenior EU officials. «It is, of course, important to recognize that in thatrelationship, financial support will be essential.» President Robert Mugabe's authoritarian rule hasbankrupted Zimbabwe, saddled it with an atrocious humanrights record and left the EU distributing onlyhumanitarian aid, totaling ¤90 million (US$126 million)this year. Tsvangirai met with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana,Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt and EU Development AidCommissioner Louis Michel. All praised his efforts to improve the political andfinancial situation in Zimbabwe since he became primeminister of a national unity government following disputedpresidential elections in March 2008. «I think your courage and your tenacity and yourleadership is a great asset for your country,» saidSolana. «You have shown in a short period of time a greatcapacity to help your people.» However, Tsvangirai was also told the Europeans werebothered by «sticking points,» notably continuing humanrights violations. These have led the EU to impose a ban ontravel to Europe by Mugabe and his key aides, freeze theirfinancial assets and cut off development aid normallyavailable to developing nations.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/676055