§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are monitoring the sale and distribution of publicly-owned assets in Zimbabwe before the currently postponed elections take place. [HL1943]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalWe monitor regularly all significant economic developments in Zimbabwe.
§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have offered any assistance to the Movement for Democratic Change in Zimbabwe; and at which meetings, on which dates and with whom present any possible assistance was discussed. [HL1944]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalThe Movement for Democratic Change in Zimbabwe has not asked us for122WA any assistance. The Foreign Secretary met the MDC President, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, and the Minister of State had a telephone conversation with him on 14 April.
§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they are taking to ensure that the elections in Zimbabwe, under the ministerial direction of Mr Dubengwa, are held by mid-June. [HL1948]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalWe have urged the Government of Zimbabwe to create the conditions for the holding of free and fair elections, within the constitutional timescale. We have also agreed with our EU partners that we would be willing to support and monitor the elections. The Commonwealth Secretary-General has made clear that he is prepared to send Commonwealth observers if invited by the Government of Zimbabwe and supported by the parties contesting the election.