§ Mr. Coombsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made, both bilaterally and through the Commonwealth, to the Government of Zimbabwe regarding the reports of mass killings and torture of Ndebele tribesmen in southern Matabeleland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindWe have made sure that the Zimbabwe Government are fully aware of our concern about reports of recent excesses by elements of the Zimbabwe national army against members of the civilian population of Matabeleland. We recognise that the Zimbabwe authorities face a security problem in Matabeleland. The authorities are also fully aware of our hope that progress can be made towards a political solution to the problem. They have said that specific allegations of misconduct will be investigated. We are not aware of any representations through Commonwealth channels.