The European Union has threatened to impose targeted sanctions by next week against Zimbabwe's government, unless it allows EU observers to monitor March presidential elections.

E.U. foreign ministers, meeting Monday in Brussels, called on Zimbabwe to allow deployment of the election monitors by February Third.

British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, who strongly pushed for the sanctions, warned Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe to cooperate with E.U. demands or "pay the penalty."

Mr. Mugabe must, in Secretary Straw's words, call off the thugs, allow the media to operate freely, and let the people of Zimbabwe make a democratic choice.

The sanctions would include a freeze on President Mugabe's assets and a ban on travel to Europe by the Zimbabwean leader and 20 of his top officials.

The EU also said Zimbabwe's government could face sanctions if it prevents the international media from covering the election, or if the human rights situation seriously deteriorates in Zimbabwe.

Britain has been pressing for EU sanctions because of the Mugabe government crackdown on the media and political opposition.

In Zimbabwe, meanwhile, state radio said President Mugabe has invited international observers to monitor the election, but not those from Britain, which he accuses of backing the opposition. Mr. Mugabe said the Commonwealth, the European Union and other groups could send their observers.

Possible sanctions against Zimbabwe will also be on the agenda when Commonwealth ministers meet Wednesday. Britain is expected to propose that Zimbabwe be suspended from the Commonwealth.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.

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