Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Nigel Evans (Conservative). It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 November 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Zimbabwe

Question: When he last met his counterpart in South Africa to discuss the security and economic situation in Zimbabwe.

Answer: I last discussed Zimbabwe with South African Foreign Minister Dr. Zuma on 21 September. I will see her again on 7 November at the EU-South Africa Co-operation Council in Brussels. I will again impress on her the very fast deterioration in conditions in Zimbabwe. Tens of thousands of Zimbabweans remain homeless after their Government's callous eviction campaign and nearly 3 million people are in need of food assistance over the next six months. Inflation has reached 360 per cent. in the past year and is still rising, but the Government of Zimbabwe have just seen fit to reject offers of United Nations assistance. I discussed that yesterday with Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and I strongly endorse the statement that he issued yesterday which expressed profound concern about the situation in Zimbabwe. While sanctions imposed and tightened by the European Union and the United States are necessary, southern African nations have a key role to play in pressuring the Government of Zimbabwe for change.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 438 c718; 23248
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Lead
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Human rights Food Homelessness Foreign relations Politics and government South Africa Sanctions Zimbabwe
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk