EU says to review relations with Zimbabwe after election

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton talks to the media during an emergency EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels August 21, 2013. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union will review relations with Zimbabwe given its "serious concerns" about the conduct of the southern African state's election, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said on Thursday.

The EU's verdict on the fairness of the elections will be crucial to a decision on whether it continues to ease sanctions against Zimbabwe. Ashton did not broach the issue of such sanctions in her statement.