Moz 'won't go without Zim'
27/09/2007 10:13  - (SA)  

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Maputo - Mozambique will not attend the forthcoming Europe-Africa summit if Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe is excluded, reports Radio Mozambique.

Eduardo Koloma, Mozambican deputy foreign affairs minister said the participation of Mozambique in the summit set for December in Portugal depended on the unconditional attendance of Mugabe.

Koloma's remarks came in the wake of similar threats by Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa - also SADC regional chairperson.

Koloma said: "Mozambique subscribes to the principles and decisions of SADC leaders and the position of the regional body was announced by the current chairperson.

"As current chairperson he (Mwanawasa) speaks for the region."

Participation of Mugabe at the meeting, which was expected to discuss co-operation between Europe and Africa, hanged in the balance after UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown threatened he would not attend if Mugabe was invited.

Mugabe was barred from travelling to most European countries in terms of sanctions imposed on the southern African country.

This week, Mugabe was quoted in the international media as having said UK and America should "stay out of his country's business".

Mugabe said: "Mr (George) Bush and Mr (Gordon) Brown have no role to play in our national affairs,

"They are outsiders and should therefore keep out." Mugabe was quoted as having said in a speech before the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week.

- SAPA

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