Top news items in major Zimbabwean media outlets

HARARE, April 10 (Xinhua) -- The following are news highlights in Zimbabwe's major media outlets on Tuesday:

-- The European Union is ready to work with the new Zimbabwean government in formulating policies that will enable it to turn around the country's economic fortunes.

This was said by visiting EU International Cooperation and Development Commissioner Neven Mimica who met President Mnangagwa at his Munhumutapa offices on Monday. (The Herald)

-- The Zimbabwean government has approved a list of 46 countries, 15 regional and continental bodies to observe general elections set for July this year as President Mnangagwa's administration makes good its pledge for transparent, free and fair polls. (The Herald)

-- Newly-appointed Botswana leader President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Monday pledged his commitment to strengthen the bilateral relations between his country and Zimbabwe.

Speaking after a meeting with President Mnangagwa at his Munhumutapa offices in Harare, President Masisi said he was ready to deepen the relations that existed during the tenure of his predecessor Ian Khama. (The Herald)

-- Plans by the government to trim the bloated civil service are in full swing amid reports of hundreds of workers being laid off without notice.

Most government departments have been "ordered" to compile lists of staffers who were holding positions for which they were least qualified. (Newsday)

-- Visiting European Union official Neven Mimica has ordered President Mnangagwa's government to implement wide-ranging reforms, including the holding of credible elections this year, before the country could be reintegrated into the world's biggest economic bloc. (Newsday)

-- The Zimbabwean government will, in the next two weeks, introduce legislation to compel households to use solar-powered geysers, as it moves to regulate electricity consumption. (Newsday) Enditem