§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Zimbabwe about terrorist acts against landowners. [13400]
§ Mr. BradshawWe regularly raise our concerns with the Government of Zimbabwe on continuing rural violence and the breakdown in the rule of law. At Abuja on 6 September, the Government of Zimbabwe made a commitment to end occupations of farm land and to remove illegal occupiers. My noble Friend Baroness Amos accompanied Commonwealth partners to Zimbabwe on 25–26 October, to assess implementation of the Abuja Agreement and to urge the Government to abide by their commitments.
§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of sanctions which could be imposed by(a) the UK and (b)the Commonwealth against the Zimbabwe Government. [13398]
§ Mr. BradshawThe UK introduced a national arms embargo on Zimbabwe in May 2000. The UK is working closely with EU partners on Zimbabwe. At the 29 October General Affairs Council, EU Ministers decided to open Article 96 consultations with the Government of Zimbabwe. This gives Zimbabwe 60 days to address EU concerns. Any action by the Commonwealth is a matter for the Commonwealth as a whole.