§ Mr. AncramTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contingency plans the High Commission in Harare is putting in place as a result of the recent increase in state-sponsored violence; and if he will make a statement on the situation in Zimbabwe. [105836]
§ Mr. StrawThe British High Commission in Harare keeps the political and security situation in Zimbabwe under close review. The High Commission's contingency plans are flexible and designed to cope with any likely eventualities in Zimbabwe.
§ Mr. AncramTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when Zimbabwe's suspension from the Councils of the Commonwealth will be reviewed; and what discussions his Department has had with the South African Government concerning Zimbabwe's suspension. [105835]
§ Mr. StrawThe Commonwealth Secretary General has stated that Zimbabwe's suspension from the Councils of the Commonwealth will be reviewed at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Abuja in December.
We have maintained regular contact with the South African Government on this issue. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Director for Africa addressed it with senior South African officials during a visit to Pretoria in the week of 17 March; and my noble Friend Baroness Amos, Minister for Africa, is in South Africa this week.