Zimbabwe (Hansard, 4 July 2001)

§ 13. Mr. Brady
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what actions she proposes to promote good governance in Zimbabwe. [691]

§ Clare Short
We are working through direct contact with the Commonwealth and the European Union to promote a return to good governance and the holding of a free and fair presidential election next year. We have made it clear that increased UK development support depends on a return to the rule of law and the adoption of credible economic policies. We are also working with Zimbabwean civil society organisations that are advocating good governance.

§ 16. Mr. Robathan
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on British aid to Zimbabwe. [694]
215W

§ Clare Short
Our efforts are focused on mitigating the effects of the current crisis on the poorest, whose plight continues to worsen. We are also continuing with our work to combat HIV/AIDS. We are working with non-governmental organisations to try to ensure we can protect the poorest—particularly children—from likely food shortages later in the year.

§ 20. Mr. Pike
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent representations she has received about funding of projects in Zimbabwe. [698]

§ Clare Short
My Department receives a large number of requests for funding in Zimbabwe as in other countries in which we work. Most recently, we have received a number of approaches from international nongovernmental organisations. They are seeking our support to protect the poor—particularly children—from likely food shortages later in the year. We are working with them to develop and implement their proposals.

§ 26. Mr. Walter
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with other European states regarding the future of aid to Zimbabwe. [705]

§ Clare Short
We have on-going contracts at various levels with other European Governments to discuss development assistance in Zimbabwe. In addition, there is joint political dialogue between the EU and the Government of Zimbabwe under article 8 of the Cotonou agreement. We support the EU in seeking results on key governance issues; and agree that appropriate measures will be needed if the dialogue does not yield rapid results over the next two months.