Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

A policy of suppression and intimidation of lawful opposition can only make the situation there more unstable. The deteriorating economic, social and political situation needs to be addressed urgently through dialogue between government and society, not presidential dictate. I call on the Zimbabwean Government to change course, respect the rule of law and respond to the clear suffering of its people.

The meeting of the Southern African Development Community this week is a timely opportunity to address the situation. I urge the regional leaders to use their influence to halt the descent toward a political and humanitarian disaster. Our approach to Darfur, Zimbabwe or Burma is not motivated by any strategic economic or political interests.