§ Mr. WigginTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to assist the enforcement of the Southern African Development Communities Programme for free and fair elections in Zimbabwe; if he will hold discussions on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [67122]
§ Mr. MacShaneThere is no Southern African Development Community Programme for free and fair elections in Zimbabwe. However, the SADC parliamentary forum has published electoral norms and standards. These formed the basis by which the EU judged the presidential election in Zimbabwe on 9–11 March.
Our policy towards Zimbabwe is to work with concerned members of the international community, including SADC, to promote democracy, good governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law.
§ Mr. WigginTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had on an unconditional asset freeze and travel ban on ZANU-PF members, unqualified by international treaty obligations. [67120]
§ Mr. MacShaneMy right hon. Friend, the Foreign Secretary had discussions with EU colleagues resulting in a travel ban and asset freeze on key ZANU-PF leaders, but has not held subsequent discussions on an unconditional asset freeze and travel ban on ZANU-PF members unqualified by international treaty obligations.
1183WMy right hon. Friend, the Foreign Secretary continues to discuss with EU partners how to ensure maximum coercive pressure is placed on Mr. Mugabe and his allies.