HL Deb 22 April 2002 vol 634 cc4-6

2.45 p.m.

Lord Steel of Aikwood

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What policies they are pursuing internationally in respect of the elections in Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Amos)

My Lords, our policy towards both Zambia and Zimbabwe, in the aftermath of their respective elections, is to promote democracy, prosperity, good governance and respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Lord Steel of Aikwood

My Lords, does the Minister agree that, while everyone recognises the fraudulence of the election in Zimbabwe because of the violence that accompanied it, very little attention has been paid to the December election in Zambia, which was roundly condemned by the European Union monitors, by the Carter Center in the USA and by the local monitors? Is it not time that we had a consistent policy within the FCO, including our trade and aid policy, to encourage genuine democracies and penalise the fraudsters? Should we not pursue that policy within the EU and the Commonwealth?

Baroness Amos

My Lords, our policy is entirely consistent. While a number of comparisons have been made between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is important to recognise that the circumstances are different. Although I accept the noble Lord's point that the European Union made it absolutely clear that the result of the election was not an accurate reflection of the will of the Zambian people, the elections in Zambia were calm, international observers were present—indeed, they had been invited by the Zambian Government—and there was a vigorous free press. That contrasts strongly with what happened in Zimbabwe, where we know that the elections were characterised by violence and intimidation, there were restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, and there was manipulation of the electoral administration and court. Immediately after the elections in Zambia we had no ministerial contact with the new Zambian Government. We have entered into an EU dialogue under article 8. The House will know that the article 96 dialogue with the Government of Zimbabwe has failed. We shall continue to pursue a multilateral course in respect of Zimbabwe but, given what President Mwanawasa has done in terms of trying to tackle corruption—and while we remain robust with Zambia about the need for free and fair elections—we are engaging in a different kind of dialogue with that government.

Lord Howell of Guildford

My Lords, given that every day brings more evidence of the way in which the recent Zimbabwean elections were blatantly rigged —indeed, the Minister has just reinforced that point—what are we going to do to help the oppressed people of Zimbabwe to achieve fresh elections? Do we favour dialogue with Mugabe or merely that every conceivable kind of pressure should be put on him to ensure that elections are re-run? Now that there is a hint of peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, will that affect the situation in Zimbabwe given that much of Mugabe's money came from that source?

Baroness Amos

My Lords, as to our continuing strategy with Zimbabwe, the South African and Nigerian Governments are pursuing a process of dialogue between the MDC and Zanu PF. This was mentioned in the outcome of the Commonwealth troika earlier this year which agreed to suspend Zimbabwe from the councils of the Commonwealth. We are supporting whatever dialogue we can. As to our own relationship with Zimbabwe, we continue to work through our EU colleagues and we continue to talk to our SADC partners, the United States and others about the continuing violence. Ten members of the opposition have been killed since the elections and we remain concerned about that. We continue to put pressure on Zimbabwe. The noble Lord may be aware that the EU put a motion to the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva last week, which unfortunately was not taken because a no action motion was carried.

Noble Lords will be aware that the inter-Congolese dialogue process on peace in the DRC failed over the weekend. We are concerned about that and we shall continue to do what we can to ensure that all the parties in the Great Lakes conflict abide by the decisions that have already been taken.

Lord Redesdale

My Lords, following the Minister's earlier Answer, now that dialogue has been entered into with the new Zambian administration, do the Government recognise that administration?

Baroness Amos

My Lords, I think that we have said in this House before that we recognise states,, not governments.

Lord Elton

My Lords, has not Mr Mugabe already proved himself to be entirely immune to persuasion by dialogue? What other pressures are to be brought to bear on him to secure a democratic state in Zimbabwe?

Baroness Amos

My Lords, we have said consistently that any pressure that Robert Mugabe and the Government of Zimbabwe take notice of will come from within the continent of Africa. It is important that we support initiatives from within Africa such as the current dialogue process promoted by the South Africans and Nigerians. As for continuing pressures, noble Lords will know that a number of countries now have sanctions against Zimbabwe, including asset freezing and travel baits. In addition, I mentioned the motion that the European Union sought to bring last week on human rights in Zimbabwe. There is also a continuing Commonwealth process, which will be reviewed after a year.

Lord Avebury

My Lords, with reference to the economic measures taken against Zimbabwe, has the Minister noticed that the regime has just imported more than 250,000 dollars-worth of luxury Mercedes limousines, including an armour-plated one for the use of President Mugabe? Should not the European Union sanctions be extended to cover such goods, which are intended for the use of the leaders of the regime?

Baroness Amos

My Lords, we have always made it clear that whatever sanctions are put in place should not affect the poor of Zimbabwe. I completely take the noble Lord's point about the importation of luxury vehicles. The European Union has made it clear that we shall go back to the issue of measures at the GAC in May. We continue to be concerned about the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe, but we shall do all that we can to hit the members of the regime. That is where our sanctions are targeted.