§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent events in Zimbabwe. [71820]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe are shocked by the detention and apparent torture of Mr. Chavunduka and Mr. Choto by the military authorities in Zimbabwe, and applaud the prompt action by the judiciary in ordering Mr. Chavunduka's release. President Mugabe's recent statements raise serious questions about his Government's commitment to the rule of law and basic human freedoms. We have reminded the Zimbabwe Government of their obligation to uphold international human rights standards, and to act to repair the damage to the country's reputation.
§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings he has held with(a) Zimbabwean officials and (b) human rights groups in relation to the torture of journalists by the army in Zimbabwe. [71819]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe summoned the Acting High Commissioner for Zimbabwe to protest at the Zimbabwe Army's detention and apparent torture of two journalists. I have written to the Zimbabwe Foreign Minister, and our High Commissioner in Harare has raised our concerns with both Government Ministers and officials. Our officials in London and Harare are in regular contact with human rights groups.