INVITATION OF ROBERT MUGABE TO EU-AFRICA SUMMIT

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.