HC Deb 19 September 2003 vol 410 cc1118-9W
Mr. Ancram

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Zimbabwean Government regarding the shutting down of the Daily News. [131212]

Mr. Straw

I issued a press statement on 15 September condemning the Government of Zimbabwe for this latest attack on the free and independent media in Zimbabwe. I made it clear that we regard the closure of the Daily News as a blatant attempt by the Government of Zimbabwe to stifle independent scrutiny and silence democratic voices in Zimbabwe. With our support the EU also issued a declaration on 18 September, condemning the closure of the Daily News and describing it as a serious attack on freedom of information in Zimbabwe. I issued a further press statement on 20 September. We will continue to press for the Daily News to be allowed to resume publication.

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