Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Blaker (Conservative). It was answered by Lord Malloch-Brown (Labour) on Monday, 7 January 2008.

Zimbabwe

Question: What is their assessment of developments in the negotiations intended to be facilitated by President Mbeki of South Africa between ZANU-PF and the opposition in Zimbabwe.

Answer: My Lords, we continue to support the efforts of President Mbeki and SADC to facilitate a dialogue between ZANU-PF and the Movement for Democratic Change, the MDC. Although many deadlines have been missed, we are nevertheless told that negotiations are entering their final stages. It is uncertain when and what the outcome will be. The key to any agreement will be that it is implementable in practice on the ground, because without effective implementation there cannot be free and fair elections that meet SADC’s own electoral standards.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 697 c631-2
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: Lead
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Politics and government South Africa Zimbabwe ZANU-PF Movement for Democratic Change
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk