HC Deb 31 March 2004 vol 419 c1454W
Mr. Ancram

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in what context Zimbabwe was raised at the recent 22 March General Affairs Council meeting; and what action was decided should be taken with regard to that country. [164954]

Mr. Straw

Zimbabwe was not on the agenda for the General Affairs Council meeting on 22 March. The previous meeting of the Council, in February, issued conclusions on Zimbabwe following the EU's decision to continue and extend its targeted measures for a further year. I welcomed the renewal of the measures and pointed out that the decision had sent a clear message that the EU wanted an end to repression and economic catastrophe in Zimbabwe and a return to democratic government and the rule of law.