HC Deb 22 January 2003 vol 398 c358W
Mr. Andrew Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of whether Robert Mugabe and his government are guilty of genocide. [91264]

Mr. Rammell

It is unclear whether Mugabe could be considered to have committed genocide.

Much of the intimidation, political violence and withholding of food is directed against the opposition, the Movement for Democratic Change, and the areas where it has support.

Genocide has to be committed against a "national, ethnic, racial or religious group".

Rev. Martin Smyth

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the political situation in Zimbabwe. [91818]

Mr. Rammell

The political, economic and humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with recent food riots and the alleged assault of two MDC MPs in police custody.