David Miliband

Violence in Zimbabwe

On 16 October the Movement for Democratic Change disengaged from the inclusive government in Zimbabwe. Since then there has been an increase in ZANU-PF-orchestrated violence and human rights abuses.

In particular, ZANU-PF has targeted civil society activists, MDC members, farm workers and trade union leaders.  We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and to urge the Government of Zimbabwe to comply with international human rights standards - including by guaranteeing a fair trial for those prosecuted.  

The Southern African region has a key role to play. I urge it to assume responsibility for supporting implementation of the Global Political Agreement, including the provisions aimed at restoring democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.  

The outcomes of the regional Maputo Summit on 5 November are encouraging - leaders signalled their clear support for reform in Zimbabwe, and the MDC re-engaged with the inclusive government. South Africa and the region need to remain committed to the goal of a reformed Zimbabwe.

Posted at 15:11 11 November 2009 by David Miliband  |  Comments[3]

Marine Protection

Yesterday the Foreign Office launched a public consultation on the creation of a Marine Protected Area in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). This UK Overseas Territory is made up of some 55 tiny islands in over half a million square kilometres of ocean. The Great Chagos Bank is the world's largest atoll.  The Territory's islands, reef systems and waters are among the richest on the planet in terms of biodiversity. It contains around half of all Indian Ocean reefs that remain in good condition, and it has the Indian Ocean's densest population of several seabird species. Exceptional numbers of coconut crabs live there, along with recovering populations of Hawksbill and Green Turtles.  

This is an exciting opportunity to create one of the world's greatest natural conservation areas. I hope that those with an interest in protecting the environment are able to participate. 

Posted at 11:54 11 November 2009 by David Miliband  |  Comments[7]

Visit to Bosnia

Last week I made a brief visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a country with a clear Euro-Atlantic perspective, but it’s struggling to make progress on a range of reforms to help deliver progress on EU and NATO membership. My meeting with political leaders provided an opportunity to reiterate UK support for the 'Butmir' process - an ongoing EU/US initiative to energise the reform agenda. This includes working towards completion of the conditionality set by the International Community for closure of the Office of the High Representative in BiH, as well as reforms to make the structure and decision making processes within government more effective.

Although there are currently stark differences between some political leaders on their vision for future governance arrangements, I remain convinced there is enough common ground to reach an agreement.

The ongoing trial of Radovan Karadzic shows that the legacy of the conflict remains prominent. I saw the remarkable work that the International Commission on Missing Persons are doing to identify the remains of those missing and support the ICTY and regional courts. This is helping bring justice and closure to victims of the conflict from all ethnic groups. 

Posted at 11:18 11 November 2009 by David Miliband  |  Comments[3]