Commonwealth splits over Zimbabwe

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By Dennis Shanahan

The Australian

04mar02

THE Commonwealth is divided over the coming Zimbabwe election, after African nations banded together to thwart plans by Britain, Australia and New Zealand to suspend the former British colony.

At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Coolum, distinct lines were drawn between black African nations and white Commonwealth leaders, as Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe - who stayed away - accused British Prime Minister Tony Blair and those supporting him of putting their "pink noses" into African business.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer responded by accusing the African Commonwealth nations of trying to block criticism of a fellow African nation: "There is this whole notion of Africans protecting themselves against criticism of countries outside."

Canada last night put forward a proposal aimed at healing the breach between Commonwealth leaders, Prime Minister Jean Chretien said. Details were not immediately available.

Mr Downer and New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark claimed the Mugabe Government had already breached the principles of the Commonwealth and that the presidential election this weekend would not be fair.

"There is still an enormous amount of intimidation of the opposition," Mr Downer said, agreeing that many people would now question CHOGM's democratic credentials.

Britain, Australia and New Zealand had tried to have Zimbabwe suspended from the Commonwealth over human rights breaches, and sought sanctions against the 20-year-old Mugabe regime in a bid to ensure free and fair elections.

But with Australia as host and John Howard as chair, a majority of CHOGM nations blocked suspension or sanctions, issues that became the meeting's dominant topic.

British attempts failed to ensure an automatic "tripwire" for suspension or sanctions against Zimbabwe in the event of the weekend election being found to be compromised.

Australia's position has been that Zimbabwe is in breach of Commonwealth principles and should be suspended, and that failure to act against Harare would raise questions about CHOGM's relevance.

Miss Clark lashed out at CHOGM for not taking action, saying "it's clear in New Zealand's view" that Zimbabwe had breached the principles of constitutional law, human rights and democracy.

But African delegations were hostile towards the views expressed by Australia and New Zealand, suggesting those countries and their media were "too far away" to understand what was happening in Zimbabwe.

South African President Thabo Mbeki did not mention Zimbabwe in his opening address but warned there was a need for the Commonwealth to remain relevant.

Last night, Zimbabwe's Information Minister, Johnathon Moya, hit back at critics and defended Zimbabwe's conduct of the election.

Professor Moya said Britain, Australia and New Zealand were "overstepping the mark" and going beyond the recommendations of the Commonwealth ministerial council.

He said police were investigating charges of conspiracy against Opposition Leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

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	Government News Index site index HOME Commonwealth splits over Zimbabwe By Dennis Shanahan The Australian 04mar02 THE Commonwealth is divided over the coming Zimbabwe election, after African nations banded together to thwart plans by Britain, Australia and New Zealand to suspend the former British colony. At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Coolum, distinct lines were drawn between black African nations and white Commonwealth leaders, as Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe - who stayed away - accused British Prime Minister Tony Blair and those supporting him of putting their "pink noses" into African business. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer responded by accusing the African Commonwealth nations of trying to block criticism of a fellow African nation: "There is this whole notion of Africans protecting themselves against criticism of countries outside." Canada last night put forward a proposal aimed at healing the breach between Commonwealth leaders, Prime Minister Jean Chretien said. Details were not immediately available. Mr Downer and New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark claimed the Mugabe Government had already breached the principles of the Commonwealth and that the presidential election this weekend would not be fair. "There is still an enormous amount of intimidation of the opposition," Mr Downer said, agreeing that many people would now question CHOGM's democratic credentials. Britain, Australia and New Zealand had tried to have Zimbabwe suspended from the Commonwealth over human rights breaches, and sought sanctions against the 20-year-old Mugabe regime in a bid to ensure free and fair elections. But with Australia as host and John Howard as chair, a majority of CHOGM nations blocked suspension or sanctions, issues that became the meeting's dominant topic. British attempts failed to ensure an automatic "tripwire" for suspension or sanctions against Zimbabwe in the event of the weekend election being found to be compromised. Australia's position has been that Zimbabwe is in breach of Commonwealth principles and should be suspended, and that failure to act against Harare would raise questions about CHOGM's relevance. Miss Clark lashed out at CHOGM for not taking action, saying "it's clear in New Zealand's view" that Zimbabwe had breached the principles of constitutional law, human rights and democracy. But African delegations were hostile towards the views expressed by Australia and New Zealand, suggesting those countries and their media were "too far away" to understand what was happening in Zimbabwe. South African President Thabo Mbeki did not mention Zimbabwe in his opening address but warned there was a need for the Commonwealth to remain relevant. Last night, Zimbabwe's Information Minister, Johnathon Moya, hit back at critics and defended Zimbabwe's conduct of the election. Professor Moya said Britain, Australia and New Zealand were "overstepping the mark" and going beyond the recommendations of the Commonwealth ministerial council. He said police were investigating charges of conspiracy against Opposition Leader Morgan Tsvangirai. Index