THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Articles 60 and 301 thereof,

Having regard to Council Common Position 2004/161/CFSP of 19 February 2004 renewing restrictive measures against Zimbabwe [Note: OJ L 50, 20.2.2004, p. 66.],

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Whereas:

(1) By means of Common Position 2002/145/CFSP of 18 February 2002 concerning restrictive measures against Zimbabwe [Note: OJ L 50, 21.2.2002, p. 1. Common Position as last amended by Common Position 2003/115/CFSP (OJ L 46, 20.2.2003, p. 30).], the Council expressed serious concern about the situation in Zimbabwe and in particular about serious violations of human rights by the Government of Zimbabwe, including violations of the freedoms of opinion, of association and of peaceful assembly. In view of this, it imposed certain restrictive measures, which are subject to annual review. Some of the restrictive measures imposed against Zimbabwe were implemented at Community level by Council Regulation (EC) No 310/2002 [Note: OJ L 50, 21.2.2002, p. 4. Regulation as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 743/2003 (OJ L 106, 29.4.2003, p. 18).]. The period of that Regulation's application was extended until 20 February 2004 by Council Regulation (EC) No 313/2003 [Note: OJ L 46, 20.2.2003, p. 6.].