Mugabe 'must attend summit'
19/10/2007 20:10  - (SA)  

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'Zim happenings are tragic' Zim: Urge Brown to 'shut up' Mugabe 'can attend summit' SA wants summit of equals African leaders defend Mugabe Mugabe 'free to attend summit'

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Johannesburg - European and African parliamentarians meeting in Johannesburg said Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe should attend the European Union-Africa summit, reported SABC news on Friday.

European Parliament representative Michael Gahler said the summit's agenda would not be put at risk because of their opposition to Mugabe's policies.

However, he said, Mugabe would be given a tough time by European leaders at the summit to be held in December in Lisbon, Portugal.

"Our heads of state, behind closed doors, I think they will speak tough as well," said Gahler.

"I would not pre-anticipate that it is a very cosy meeting. In order to hear the message he must be there I think to get some tough talk."

EU and AU parliamentarians were holding discussions this week over a common strategy for the summit.

SABC news reported that while in theory the EU travel ban prevents President Mugabe travelling to and within the EU, in practice he could be exempt - with certain conditions - to attend an international conference.

British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has apparently said he will not attend the summit if Mugabe is invited.

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