HC Deb 09 March 2001 vol 364 cc393-4W
Mr. Maude

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussion he has had with(a) President Chirac and (b) the European Development Commissioner regarding the situation in Zimbabwe. [152890]

Mr. Wilson

The Government's deep concern at recent events in Zimbabwe was conveyed to Commissioner Neilson and President Chirac before their meetings with President Mugabe.

Mr. Maude

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent developments regarding the Chief Justice of the Zimbabwe High Court; and what plans he has to seek representations from other Commonwealth member states on the rule of law in Zimbabwe. [152893]

Mr. Wilson

The Foreign Secretary issued a statement on 21 Fubruary expressing his concern at the pressure being applied to the judiciary by the Government of Zimbabwe. The Foreign Secretary has spoken to the Commonwealth Secretary-General to reiterate his concern, and will discuss Zimbabwe with colleagues at the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on 19–20 March.

Mr. Maude

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the specific objectives are of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group meeting schedule for 19 March to discuss Zimbabwe. [152891]

Mr. Wilson

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group meeting on 19–20 March will consider a full agenda of Commonwealth business. Zimbabwe will be discussed after Any Other Business.

Mr. Maude

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met representatives from the Movement for Democratic change in Zimbabwe; and when he next plans to do so. [152894]

Mr. Wilson

The Foreign Secretary last met Morgan Tsvangirai on 6 November 2000. FCO Ministers and officials have regular meetings with representatives of the MDC, most recenty being on 5 March.

Mr. Maude

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with which Commonwealth member states he has discussed the expulsion of Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth; and what was the conclusion of these discussions. [152887]

Mr. Wilson

FCO Ministers regularly raise Zimbabwe with their Commonwealth counterparts. Zimbabwe will be discussed at the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group meeting on 19–20 March.