Foreign Secretary's Statement on Zimbabwe

Yesterday the Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, made a statement to the House of Commons on the situation on Zimbabwe.

An abridged version of his speech can be found below.

"I am sure this whole House will unite in its condemnation of the depravity of the Mugabe regime; in grieving at the needless loss of life; and in wanting to send a clear message of support and solidarity to the people of Zimbabwe at this time. We share both their demand for a democratic future and their belief that they should not be denied this by violence or intimidation. Our primary concern has always been for them.

Mr Speaker, notwithstanding the violence, it is farcical to talk of a free and fair vote when 4 million refugees are outside the country, political rallies are banned and opposition access to TV and campaigning denied. We know 34,000 people have been displaced; 2700 injured; and 84 murdered since that day [29 March].

There is no legitimacy in ruling a country through fear and force. Robert Mugabe and his thugs have made an election impossible. It is clear that the only people with democratic legitimacy are those that won the parliamentary majority on 29 March and who took most votes in the first round of the Presidential election, and that was the opposition.

Zimbabwe now needs a government that is broad-based and commands the confidence of the majority of Zimbabweans. A government of national unity that retains the existing structures of power with Mugabe at its head does not meet that test.

Britain has long and historical links with Zimbabwe. I have never believed that the rights and wrongs of our history should prevent us from speaking clearly and frankly about the situation today. Robert Mugabe’s misrule does not invalidate that liberation struggle: our colonial history does not mean we cannot denounce that which is wrong. The test at all times has been whether our commitment and action can help the people of Zimbabwe. That is why we continue to provide humanitarian aid. It is why we continue to stress the need for African leadership.

The cynical decision to suspend NGOs delivering vital aid shows how far Mugabe has gone in abandoning Zimbabwe’s people. Our foremost duty is still to press for humanitarian space to be re-opened and for those NGOs to be allowed to restart operations. One and a half million people have been affected by the ban. As the second largest bilateral donor, we will continue to provide aid and assistance as we can.

Mr Speaker, we will continue our efforts publicly and privately press for a solution to this crisis that reflects the will of the people in Zimbabwe."