Written question asked by Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative) on Thursday, 12 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 October 2006. It was answered by Ian McCartney (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 October 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Zimbabwe

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the expropriations of farm land in Zimbabwe.

Answer: Mugabe’s chaotic approach to land expropriation has severely damaged Zimbabwe’s agricultural base. Despite abundant rains, the World Food Programme estimates that 1.4 million Zimbabweans will again require food assistance. The Government of Zimbabwe has ignored international calls to embark on a transparent, democratic land reform process. Instead, Mugabe’s regime continues to seize land, recently issuing eviction notices to over 60 of the remaining commercial farmers in Zimbabwe.Together with our EU, Commonwealth and other international partners, we urge the Government of Zimbabwe to return to policies based on sound economic practise, democracy, and respect for the rule of law and human rights.

Secondary information