Watson meets Zimbabwe opposition Leader

4.10.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 16th May 2008

Local Liberal Democrat MEP for the South West of England and Gibraltar, Graham Watson has today met privately with the MDC Leader Morgan Tsvangirai and the President of Senegal Abdoulaye Wade at the Liberal International Congress in Belfast.

With Mr. Tsvangirai Graham Watson discussed the prospects of peaceful transition of power in Zimbabwe and expressed the interest of Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament in Mr. Tsvangirai paying a visit to parliament after the election. Graham Watson was briefed on recent murders of two young leaders of MDC by the President of Zimbabwe's thugs and expressed his hope for a peaceful second round to the elections and a smooth transition of power.

With Abdoulaye Wade Graham Watson discussed the economic Partnership Agreements which are currently the subject of dispute between the ACP countries and the European Union. President Wade stressed his availability for a meeting with President Barroso to discuss the matter further. Both Abdoulaye Wade and Graham Watson are convinced that agreement would be possible on the basis of Liberal approach which switches the emphasis of policy from aid to development. However, both recognise the need for a gradual transition and for a EU commitment to invest in the economies of the ACP countries.

Note to Editors:

Graham Watson will address the LI Congress tomorrow