---

Zimbabwe: Elections

My Lords, I, too, join noble Lords in welcoming the Statement. I also wish to record my recognition of the Minister’s work over a long period on finding some sort of solution and a degree of international support. In the light of the MDC’s decision not to contest what will be a bogus election, the thoughts of this House are not so much on the Government of Zimbabwe as for the people of Zimbabwe. The current situation is damaging not just the people of Zimbabwe but the reputation of the international community, which is seen as impotent and over-reliant on South Africa, for example. However, we have drawn some strength from the way in which we as a country have dealt with African dictators in the past. When Idi Amin evicted the Ugandan Asians this country gave support and, in many instances, shelter to those who lost their homes, their community and their citizenship. As we celebrate this week—