§ Mr. LaxtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the British High Commissioner in Harare about the situation in Zimbabwe; and what recent assessment he has made of the political situation there. [120137]
§ Mr. MullinThe high commissioner and his staff are in daily contact with the FCO about the political, economic and humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe.
711WThe political situation remains tense. MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai is facing two charges of treason. Other opposition figures have been arrested, harassed and intimidated. Responsibility for the present state of Zimbabwe lies squarely with its present government.
§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken within the United Nations to ensure that action is taken to end the crisis in Zimbabwe.[120453]
§ Mr. MullinWe maintain regular contact with the UN Secretary General, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Food Programme (WFP) about Zimbabwe. We supported EU resolutions on Zimbabwe at the UN Human Rights Commission in 2002 and 2003. We will continue to encourage the UN to focus on the crisis in Zimbabwe.