Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Blaker (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 8 October 2008.

Zimbabwe

Question: My Lords, is the Minister aware that Kofi Annan has recently criticised the African Union for not confirming the MDC’s victory in the March election? He said: "““The African Union should have endorsed the results and said to Mugabe: you are not a legally elected president””." What part is now being played by the chairman of the African Union Commission and the UN special envoy as members of the reference group in pressing for the urgent implementation of the power-sharing agreement?

Answer: My Lords, I had the opportunity in New York two weeks ago to talk to the chairman of the African Union and the head of its executive along with the special envoy of the UN Secretary-General. All of them are watching this situation with concern. They believe that President Mbeki remains the SADC and AU mediator, but they are fully aware that time is elapsing and that there is still no agreement on the Cabinet, which will break the agreement if it is not resolved within weeks.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 704 c230
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Politics and government United Nations African Union Zimbabwe ZANU-PF Movement for Democratic Change
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk