EU updates Zimbabwe, Yemen, Guinea, and Moldova sanctions regimes

The EU has published updates to its sanctions regimes on Zimbabwe, Yemen, Guinea, and Moldova.

Zimbabwe

The EU has de-listed the deceased Amos Bernard Midzi (alias Mugenva) from its targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe, which impose an asset freeze on members of the country’s government and people and entities associated with them.  Currently, the targeted sanctions are suspended against all but President Robert Mugabe, his wife Grace, and Zimbabwe Defence Industries.

A new provision has also been included in the sanctions regime to comply with requirements for the protection of personal data.

The change are made by Council Regulation (EU) 2015/1919 amending Council Regulation (EC) 314/2004, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1921 amending Council Regulation (EC) 314/2004, and Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1924 amending Council Decision 2011/101/CFSP.

Yemen

The listing of Ahmed Ali Abdullah Saleh has been updated with details of his Diplomatic identity card issued by the United Arab Emirates, which is said to be cancelled, and his place of birth.  The new information is given in order to reflect changes to his listing under the UN’s sanctions on Yemen, and is introduced by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1920 implementing Council Regulation (EU) 1352/2014 and Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2015/1927 implementing Council Decision 2014/932/CFSP.

Guinea

The EU has extended its sanctions regime against Guinea until 27 October 2016. The EU’s sanctions regime against Guinea imposes targeted asset freezes and travel bans on 5 people identified by the International Commission of Inquiry as responsible for violence leading to at least 150 deaths on 28 September 2009, and persons associated with them.  An arms embargo against Guinea was lifted in April 2015 (see previous blog). The regime is extended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1923 amending Council Decision 2010/638/CFSP.

Moldova

EU sanctions against Moldova, imposing an EU-wide travel ban on people who are responsible for designing or implementing the campaign of intimidation and closure against Latin-script schools in the Transnistria region of Moldova, have been extended until 31 October 2016. The regime is extended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1925 amending Council Decision 2010/573/CFSP.