The European Union has told Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe to respect the power-sharing agreement with Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai and speed up democratic reforms.

Sweden, which currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, says the global political agreement signed in Harare 13 months ago is the key to re-establishing ties with Zimbabwe.

Five weeks after the visit to Harare of a high-level EU delegation, the grouping is accusing Mugabe of failing to accept real power sharing.

The Swedish statement says Mugabe has yet to demonstrate a willingness to assist in reforms to which he has committed.

It has stressed its support for the Southern African Development Community to resolve the current crisis sparked by the re-arrest of Movement for Democratic Change Treasurer General Roy Bennett.

Tsvangirai has temporarily withdrawn from the power-sharing government and taken to the road seeking SADC support for his stance.