Mugabe's excesses opposed
14 March 2007
During Question Time in the European Parliament Jim Allister raised the continuing excesses of the Mugabe regime in Zimbabwe, particularly in light of the mass arrest of Opposition figures.
Mr Allister put to the German Foreign Minister, as current President of the Council, the following Question:-
"While welcoming the renewal of sanctions against this despotic regime, it is clear, from the wanton abuses of human rights, so evident in the outrageous actions against the Opposition last week, that much more needs to be done.
Will the Council, in particular, maximise pressure on Zimbabwe's neighbours, especially South Africa, who it seems have a policy of complacent benevolence towards their monstrous neighbour?"
The Minister accepted South Africa had a role to play, but demonstrated unwillingness to take meaningful action by talking about South Africa taking actions through "silent diplomacy". Something Mr Allister dismissed as a meaningless euphemism for really doing nothing.
