HL Deb 17 October 2002 vol 639 cc67-9WA
Lord Elton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether Zimbabwe's Trade Minister, Samuel Mumbengegwi, was in Brussels on 24 September; whether his presence there at that time was in breach of European Union sanctions policy; and, if not, under what provision of that policy he was admitted. [HL5849]

Baroness Amos

We understand that Mr Mumbengegwi was in Brussels on 24 September. His presence was not in breach of the EU's sanctions policy. The EU's Common Position 2002/145/CFSP imposing sanctions on Zimbabwe specifically allows member states to grant exemptions where travel is justified on grounds of attending meetings of international bodies. Under the terms of the Lome/Cotonou arrangements, Belgium had a legal obligation to grant Mr Mumbengegwi a visa so that he could attend the EU/ACP trade talks in Brussels which took place from 23 to 27 September. The Belgians consulted EU partners on 18 September about the issue of a visa to Mumbengegwi. In doing so, they undertook to attach maximum restrictions to any visa issued to him. We are satisfied that they did so. The visa was restricted to the territory of Belgium (Mumbengegwi was not permitted to travel through the Schengen area), and for a very short period (22 to 29 September).

Lord Elton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to the Government of Belgium about their permitting Zimbabwe's Trade Minister, Samuel Mumbengegwi, to enter Belgium several days ahead of a European Union/African, Caribbean and Pacific meeting convened there for 27 September when European Union sanctions policy allowed him entry only for the purpose of attending that meeting. [HL5850]

Baroness Amos

The EU/ACP meeting was from 23 to 27 September. Our understanding is that the Belgian Government issued Mr Mumbengegwi with a visa from 22 to 29 September. Belgium consulted EU partners prior to issuing the visa, as they are required to do, under the EU's Common Position 2002/145/CFSP. They undertook to attach maximum restrictions to any visa issued to Mr Mumbengegwi. We are satisfied that they did so: the visa was issued for a very short period covering the meeting, and was restricted to the territory of Belgium (Mumbengegwi was not permitted to travel through the Schengen area). No representations have therefore been made.

Lord Elton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider European Union sanctions against the Government of Zimbabwe to be effective; if so, what effect they are having on the Government of Zimbabwe; and, if not, what steps they are taking to make sanctions effective. [HL5852]

Baroness Amos

EU sanctions are having an impact. The travel ban bars ZANU(PF) Ministers, politburo members and other key figures in the Mugabe regime from conducting normal business in Europe (for example when ZANU(PF) Local Government Minister, Ignatius Chombo, was refused entry to the UK at Gatwick airport on 5 October). The EU assets freeze has frozen 24 accounts containing funds totalling £123,000 of individual assets in the UK. The sanctions help to increase the regime's moral and political isolation. They have twice been extended since they were introduced on 18 February 2002. We and our EU partners keep the measures under constant review, with an eye for further extension.