Written question asked by Baroness Hoey (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 July 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 July 2007. It was answered by Meg Munn (Labour) on Thursday, 19 July 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Portugal: Summit Conferences

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government’s policy is on whether the EU Common Position banning travel in the EU by members of the Government of Zimbabwe permits the attendance of Robert Mugabe or other members of the Government of Zimbabwe at the EU-Africa Summit in Portugal in December.

Answer: Article 4(5) of the EU Common Position of Zimbabwe 2004/161/Common Foreign and Security Policy lists the circumstances under which an individual listed in the annex as subject to a visa ban may be granted an exemption from the ban. This includes attendance at intergovernmental meetings, included those promoted by the EU, where a political dialogue is conducted that directly promotes democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. If a member state proposes to grant an exemption, this will be decided according to the procedure in article 4(6). At present, no proposal has been made in connection with the EU-Africa summit.

Secondary information