PM frustrated at sidelining of debate over Zimbabwe

By HELEN TUNNAH, deputy political editor

Prime Minister Helen Clark says it has been "frustrating" that debate about Zimbabwe's suspension from the Commonwealth has been sidelined at their leaders' summit in Nigeria.

New Zealand has been effectively shut out of the decision-making on Zimbabwe, after the conference decided only six countries would meet to thrash out a solution to the problem which has completely overshadowed the four-day summit.

President Robert Mugabe's regime was suspended from the Commonwealth last year after rigged presidential elections returned him to power. He is now threatening to quit the organisation.

Helen Clark said there had been no talks on Zimbabwe in formal conference sessions or at the private retreat for leaders.

She had been forced to try to remain in telephone contact with Australia's Prime Minister, John Howard, who is one of the six debating Zimbabwe separately.

"What's been frustrating about the business of the conference to date is that the main item which is on everyone's minds is being discussed off-line."

Those talks were being held as Mr Mugabe said in Harare that he would pull out of the Commonwealth if Zimbabwe's suspension was extended.

"What is it to us," he said. "It is a club, there are other clubs that we can join."

Significantly the group of six talking about Zimbabwe's future includes two southern African countries, Mozambique and South Africa, sympathetic to their neighbour. Strong critics Australia and Canada are on the body, with Jamaica and India, whose positions are less clear.

Re-elected Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said it was expected their recommendations would be accepted.

It is thought the suspension will stay and the debate concentrate on what Mr Mugabe would have to do to be welcomed back. Measures could range from fresh presidential elections monitored by the Commonwealth, to assurances of respect for democracy and human rights.

A statement on Zimbabwe was expected early today.