Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 November 2002. It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Monday, 25 November 2002 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans his Department has to send a representative to the meeting scheduled for EU and SADC leaders to be held in Lisbon in April 2003; what representations he has made to other SADC and EU countries concerning this meeting; whether Zimbabweans on the EU travel ban list will be able to attend this meeting; whether he plans to support a relocation of this meeting to a venue outside of the EU; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans his Department has to send a representative to the meeting scheduled for EU and SADC leaders to be held in Lisbon in April 2003; what representations he has made to other SADC and EU countries concerning this meeting; whether Zimbabweans on the EU travel ban list will be able to attend this meeting; whether he plans to support a relocation of this meeting to a venue outside of the EU; and if he will make a statement. [82772] Mr. Straw: The meeting scheduled to be held in Lisbon in April 2003 is an EU/Africa meeting. There has so far been no formal EU discussion of attendance or relocation. The Government considers that no-one subject to an EU travel ban should attend a meeting in the European Union unless their right to attend is required pursuant to a legal obligation. The Government will decide its own representation closer to the time.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 82772; 395 c82W;395 c81-2W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: EU action Travel Travel restrictions Sanctions Zimbabwe EU external relations Southern Africa Southern African Development Community
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk