NZ set to impose sanctions on Zimbabwe, despite suspension

Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff has welcomed the Commonwealth's limited suspension of Zimbabwe but says it is likely New Zealand will impose sanctions as well.

The Commonwealth this morning suspended Zimbabwe from the 54-nation grouping for a year over President Robert Mugabe's controversial victory in elections condemned by the West but approved by Zimbabwe's African neighbours.

Mr Goff told NZPA that while he welcomed the suspension, it appeared it had been done reluctantly.

"To some extent we have the sense that this is a halfway house," he said.

"It is being done reluctantly rather than with a sense of determination that what has happened in Zimbabwe is absolutely wrong and has to be changed."

The Commonwealth had had no choice but to suspend Zimbabwe, as not to have done so would have contradicted all the principles to which member countries had agreed, Mr Goff said.

"It would have caused enormous damage to the Commonwealth not to have acted," he said.

However, New Zealand still did not regard Mr Mugabe's government as legitimate and was likely to impose targeted sanctions against its members.

Such sanctions would include a ban on those running Zimbabwe being able to travel, visit or receive health or education in this country. Financial sanctions similar to those favoured by the European Union, such as a ban on investing in New Zealand or holding money here, would also be looked at, Mr Goff said.

However, it appears unlikely sanctions will be imposed on bilateral sports events as such a move would have little impact; the next fixture specifically between the two countries is a Black Caps cricket tour to Zimbabwe in 2005.

The situation will need to be clarified before the Commonwealth Games in Britain in July, where teams from New Zealand and Zimbabwe will compete.

- NZPA