MEPs boycott vote on Zimbabwe

24th April 2008

THE European Parliament Socialist Group today refused to take part in a vote on Zimbabwe, having earlier refused to sign a motion on the crisis in the country.

The Group said the resolution and debate would not gain anything in terms of supporting the democratic process in the country.

Euro-MP GLENYS KINNOCK said:

"A dangerous crisis has developed in Zimbabwe, with opposition supporters now facing increasing intimidation and violence from government security forces.

"The European Parliament should now be urging the EU to support an African Union-led process, as happened in Kenya, including a Committee of the Wise led by a respected African chief mediator and with SADC playing a central role. In addition, an initiative involving Mbeki standing down as mediator, so that Mugabe is not able to continue to dictate and dominate, should be explored.

"Now is not the time for megaphone messages from the European Parliament. We must ensure we do nothing likely to undermine efforts to broker an agreement and avoid exacerbating an already difficult situation.

"The European Parliament's proposed resolution and debate would not gain us anything in terms of supporting the democratic process, which should surely be our prime and only purpose at this time."