§ Tom BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his1254W Department has received from Zimbabwean journalists on issues surrounding freedom of the press in that country. [149159]
§ Mr. MullinThe British Embassy in Harare has regular contact with a wide range of journalists in Zimbabwe, including those from independent newspapers. I met a senior delegation from the Daily News during their November 2003 visit to the UK. We condemn the Government of Zimbabwe's attempts to block press freedoms in Zimbabwe, and the state-sponsored violence and human rights abuses which accompany their misguided policies. We will continue to do all we can to defend freedom of speech and of the press in Zimbabwe.