Zimbabwe (Hansard, 16 April 2002)

§ 16. Ms Oona King
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the elections in Zimbabwe and the implications for the new partnership for African development. [45531]

§ Mr. MacShane
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary told the House on 14 March that Zimbabweans had plainly been denied their fundamental right to choose by whom they are governed. NEPAD can only work on the basis of co-operation between democratic Governments with full international legitimacy.

§ 21. Mr. MacDougall
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further discussions he has had with Commonwealth members about the restoration of democracy in Zimbabwe. [45536]

§ Mr. MacShane
I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier in the House today to the hon. Member for Ruislip-Northwood (Mr. Wilkinson).

§ 29. John Barrett
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his policy towards Zimbabwe remaining within the Commonwealth. [45544]

§ Mr. MacShane
On 19 March Zimbabwe was suspended from the Councils of the Commonwealth for one year. We welcome this.
We shall be discussing Zimbabwe's future status with Commonwealth partners during the coming 12 months.

§ 33. Bob Russell
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Zimbabwe. [45548]

§ Mr. MacShane
What has happened in Zimbabwe is a tragedy, imposed on that once prosperous land by Robert Mugabe. Respect for the rule of law and a return to democratic principles and sensible economic policies are the only way back for Zimbabwe.

§ 20. David Taylor
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact on bilateral relations with Zimbabwe of the recent elections in that country; and if he will make a statement. [45535]

§ Mr. MacShane
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary told the House on 14 March that Zimbabweans had plainly been denied their fundamental right to choose by whom they are governed.
This leaves UK relations with Zimbabwe's Government at their lowest ebb since that country's independence. But we remain committed to stand by the people of Zimbabwe and will continue our programme of humanitarian assistance.