ensure that the current crisis in Zimbabwe
receives sufficientattention at the Summit in Evian. The letter points out
that resolution ofthe crisis in Zimbabwe is not only a legal and moral
imperative, butfundamental to the successful implementation of the G8's
Africa Action Planand the New Partnership for Africa's Development
(NEPAD).

The letter states in part:"The crisis in Zimbabwe is a litmus
test for theefficacy of your discussions. The situation in Zimbabwe starkly
contradictsthe principles contained in NEPAD and supported by the Africa
Action Plan.Moreover, Zimbabwean civil society groups are routinely being
persecuted,which hampers their efforts to promote respect for human rights
and the ruleof law. Many crises of poverty, disease, armed conflict, and
denial ofdemocracy and human rights continue to plague Africa and
fundamentallyundermine efforts to achieve sustainable development. Combating
such crisesrequires effective, co-ordinated strategies among African states
andsupported by the international community.The current situation in
Zimbabweis one such crisis, the details of which are well-documented by
local andinternational organizations. Since your June 2002 meeting, the
situation inZimbabwe has further deteriorated, and it is largely the black
populationthat is targeted for abuse. Serious human rights violations
committed by thegovernment and its agents continue to receive insufficient
attention bothwithin the region and internationally. Efforts to end the
crisis mustinvolve the combined efforts of governments and civil society
groups inAfrica which are encouraged by the G8. Fundamental human rights
issues mustbe addressed, including bringing an end to political violence,
arbitrarydetention and torture, restoring full freedom of expression and
association,ensuring the independence of the judiciary, and combating
impunity for humanrights abuses."

Sir: Permitting the Zimbabwe cricket team to tour England
this summer is agross error of judgement by Tim Lamb and the English County
Cricket Board.They have abdicated