HC Deb 25 June 2002 vol 387 cc778-9W
24. Angela Watkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he had concerning Zimbabwe at the recent European Council meeting in Seville. [62128]

Mr. MacShane

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary had no formal discussions with EU partners on Zimbabwe at Seville.

30. Mr. Simmonds

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the political situation in Zimbabwe. [62134]

Mr. MacShane

What is happening in Zimbabwe is a man-made tragedy. Zimbabwe's only way back from disaster is through the restoration of the rule of law, an end to political violence, a return to democratic legitimacy, and the adoption of credible economic policies.

Our policy towards Zimbabwe is to sustain an international consensus by working with European, Commonwealth, US, African and other international and democratic friends to help restore democracy, good governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

David Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the Zimbabwean Government on the future of land owned by British expatriates; and if he will make a statement. [62110]

Mr. MacShane

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier in the House today to my hon. Friend the Member for Workington (Tony Cunningham).

Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what penalties can be imposed on an EU member state which does not enforce the travel ban imposed on members of the Zimbabwean Government. [62166]

Mr. MacShane

[holding answer 17 June 2002]: The travel ban is imposed by a Common Position (2002/145/CFSP of 18 February 2002). Under Article 15 of the Treaty on European Union, all member states are obliged to implement Common Positions. All member states have fully implemented and enforced the travel ban so far and we expect them to continue doing so. There are no penalties under the Treaty applicable in these cases.

Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which EU body oversees the implementation by member states of the travel ban restrictions imposed on the various members of the Zimbabwean Government. [62167]

Mr. MacShane

[holding answer 17 June 2002]: The European Union travel ban is imposed by a Common Position (2002/145/CFSP of 18 February 2002). Under Article 15 of the Treaty on European Union, all member states are obliged to implement Common Positions. The responsibility for implementing Common Positions lies with member states.

Forward to