EU to step up sanctions on Mugabe

European Union foreign ministers agreed to toughen sanctions against Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe to pressure him to agree to share power with the opposition in talks in South Africa between Zimbabwe’s rival parties.

South African President Thabo Mbeki is mediating the talks between Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

The agreement to hold the power-sharing talks includes a key opposition demand for an end to political violence that has killed dozens.

In Brussels, EU foreign ministers agreed to expand their sanctions blacklist of those with ties to Mugabe’s government. The addition of 37 individuals and four companies brought the list’s total to 172 people.

The list, under measures passed in 2002, already included Mugabe and members of his Cabinet.