British minister vague about what is likely to happen in Zimbabwe if Mugabe dies

Britain’s Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Tobias Ellwood literally dodged a question from Conservative Member of Parliament Oliver Colvile on Tuesday when he asked what assessment his department had made of the potential implications for Zimbabwe’s political and economic future in the event of the death of President Robert Mugabe.

“Zimbabwe faces enormous political and economic challenges,” he responded. “A peaceful transition to a leader willing to make reforms could move Zimbabwe towards a more democratic, prosperous future. The UK does not support parties or individuals, but rather the implementation of policies that could lead to eventual normalisation of Zimbabwe’s international relations.”

Britain, Zimbabwe’s former colonizer, has maintained keen interest in the country despite Zimbabwe pulling out of the Commonwealth more than a decade ago because of differences with Whitehall.

 It also continues to give aid to Zimbabwe though it says this should not go through government channels.

Britain has also been accused of selling weapons to Zimbabwe and equipping Zimbabwe’s security forces with vehicles and other equipment that has been used to deal with demonstrators.

Q & A:

Oliver Colvile Conservative, Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport- To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for Zimbabwe's political and economic future in the event of the death of President Mugabe.

Ellwood Tobias Ellwood The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs – Zimbabwe faces enormous political and economic challenges. A peaceful transition to a leader willing to make reforms could move Zimbabwe towards a more democratic, prosperous future. The UK does not support parties or individuals, but rather the implementation of policies that could lead to eventual normalisation of Zimbabwe’s international relations.

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