Written question asked by Lord Robathan (Conservative) on Friday, 24 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 November 2003. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Monday, 3 November 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make it his policy (a) to unilaterally strengthen sanctions against Zimbabwe and (b) to seek the strengthening of sanctions against Zimbabwe by the EU.

Answer: Mr. Robathan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy (a) to unilaterally strengthen sanctions against Zimbabwe and (b) to seek the strengthening of sanctions against Zimbabwe by the EU. [135216] Mr. Mullin: We keep our policy on sanctions against Zimbabwe under regular review. We favour multilateral sanctions wherever possible because these have a greater practical impact and send a stronger political signal. The EU sanctions on Zimbabwe were imposed in response to serious violations of human rights and the rule of law. The present sanctions expire in February 2004. We and our EU partners will decide then, in the light of the situation in Zimbabwe, whether to maintain or amend the present arrangements.

Secondary information