INVITATION OF ROBERT MUGABE TO EU-AFRICA SUMMIT

Early day motion 1870, tabled 9 July 2007 by James Duddridge (Conservative). Signed by 71 members.

That this House notes with deep concern that Portugal is planning to invite Robert Mugabe to the EU-Africa summit in Lisbon in December; is deeply concerned that the Zimbabwean government is to be invited to attend an event within the European Union, regardless of whether the invitation is likely to be accepted or not; further notes that Robert Mugabe and senior members of his regime are subject to the EU travel ban; deplores the continued failure of Robert Mugabe's regime to respect fundamental human rights and democratic principles; asserts that any invitation extended to the Zimbabwean government at this time by EU member states implies the recognition of legitimacy in Mugabe's regime; and urges the Government and all EU member states to refuse to invite Robert Mugabe or any senior members of his regime to any event within the EU.

Signatures by party: Labour 29, Liberal Democrat 21, Conservative 15, DUP 4, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2.