The Swedish head of the European Union's observer mission for Zimbabwe's March presidential election is expected to seek accreditation today (Monday) in Harare, despite a ban on observers from six European countries.

President Robert Mugabe's government agreed to allow E.U. observers to monitor the presidential polls as long as the mission does not include citizens of Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Britain, Germany and the Netherlands.

However, Pierre Schori told reporters in Zimbabwe's capital Sunday he expects to carry out his work as head of a nearly 30-member E.U. observer delegation, which is due to arrive later this week.

The six banned countries have been among the most outspoken critics of President Mugabe, who faces mounting international criticism for cracking down on political opposition and restricting journalists ahead of the elections. Mr. Mugabe faces a strong challenge from opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

The E.U. says it expects Zimbabwe's government to grant observers unhindered access during the elections.

E.U. foreign ministers meeting in Spain on Saturday said so-called "smart sanctions" could be imposed as soon as this week, if authorities in Zimbabwe hamper the work or safety of E.U. election observers.

Sanctions could include freezing the foreign assets of President Mugabe's family and close allies, and blocking them from foreign travel.

(reuters, afp, prev)

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