Zimbabwean Foreign Minister Mr Stan Mudenge said today his country would accept international election observers, possibly including EU representatives, but strictly on its own terms.
Speaking after a day of talks with EU officials on the human rights situation in Zimbabwe, Mudenge deflected European criticism of his government's clampdown on media freedom ahead of a March presidential election.
"I will issue invitations (to observers)... But there will be no monitors in Zimbabwe. Nobody monitors Zimbabwe. I'll invite observers in the coming days," Mr Mudenge told a news conference.
Asked if they might include observers from any of the 15 EU member states, Mr Mudenge said: "From the EU? Why not?" He said requests from international media to cover the election would be handled by Zimbabwe's information minister.
The EU said Zimbabwe appeared ready to go some way towards meeting its demands on free elections and media freedom, but added that it was not satisfied that its concerns will be met.
The EU is considering imposing sanctions unless Zimbabwe halts political violence, removes curbs on the media and allows free and fair elections.
This week, Zimbabwe's parliament adopted bills which ban independent poll monitors and give the government sweeping security powers.
Mr Goutier added that the EU had pressed for observers to be allowed into Zimbabwe at least six weeks before the election, but added Zimbabwean Foreign Minister Stanley Mudenge had spoken merely of letting them in "on time".