Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs written question – answered at on 15 November 2010.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of trends in the political situation in Zimbabwe (a) since 2007 and (b) since the appointment of Morgan Tsvangirai as prime minister.
The period from 2007 to 2008 saw a resurgence of hope in the run-up to the elections of March 2008, followed by a descent into uncontrolled violence before the second round of the parliamentary elections. After Morgan Tsvangirai's decision to withdraw in order to spare Zimbabweans further suffering, Southern African Development Community-sponsored negotiations between the political parties resulted in the formation of the Inclusive Government in February 2009.
Since then there has been significant economic progress. Inflation has reduced to single figures, goods are available, key services are restored and tax revenue is increasing. This year Zimbabwe's economy is expected to grow for the first time since 1997, with a forecast (IMF) of around 8%.
Progress on political reform has been slower although there have been some achievements. Earlier this year we were encouraged by the appointment of the Media, Electoral and Human Rights Commissions. Progress by the Commissions has been slow in the face of intransigence from hardliners. However we welcome the issuing of newspaper licences by the Media Commission, an essential element in preparing the conditions for credible elections.
There has been a considerable reduction in the severity and frequency of human rights abuses since the formation of the Inclusive Government. But we remain concerned about ongoing abuses, particularly around the rule of law and the hardliners' continued exploitation of their control of the security apparatus and judiciary for political ends. The recent constitutional reform process has shown that State actors still have a capacity for violence and intimidation.
Persistent intransigence from hardliners, including the recent unilateral appointments made by President Mugabe, led Prime Minister Tsvangirai to declare a 'constitutional crisis' last month. We share Prime Minister Tsvangirai's frustration and support him in his determination to remain in the Government. In the absence of a roadmap to credible and properly monitored elections, the Inclusive Government continues to offer the only credible means of transforming Zimbabwe and of delivering basic services to its people. But to succeed, it needs a clear commitment from all parties to work together to implement the reforms set out in the Global Political Agreement.
We will continue to engage with our international partners, including South Africa, in considering how best to work with reformers in Zimbabwe and the region, to improve prospects of reform and to prepare for credible and properly monitored elections.
Yes2 people think so
No0 people think not
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