HC Deb 22 January 2003 vol 398 cc316-7W
Mrs. Spelman

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she last met representatives of opposition parties in Zimbabwe. [91447]

Clare Short

I have not met representatives of Zimbabwe's opposition parties in recent months. My officials maintain dialogue on the humanitarian situation with a wide representation of civil society.

Mrs. Spelman

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she last met representatives of the Government of South Africa to discuss the political situation in Zimbabwe. [91448]

Clare Short

I have had no such discussions. The British High Commission in Pretoria is in regular contact with the Government of South Africa on the situation in Zimbabwe.

Mrs. Spelman

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether the World Bank continues to fund government programmes in Zimbabwe. [91449]

Clare Short

The World bank has not disbursed funds in Zimbabwe since 2000, after the Government of Zimbabwe ceased making payments on previous loans. Zimbabwe's arrears to the World Bank totalled US$107.4 million as at 6 December 2002. The World bank cannot resume lending until the arrears are repaid in full.

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