Mozambique will not attend the forthcoming European Union-African Union summit if Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is excluded, Radio Mozambique reported on Wednesday.
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 comes in the wake of similar threats by Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa — also Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional chairperson.
”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,” said Koloma.
Participation of Mugabe at the meeting, which is expected to discuss cooperation between Europe and Africa, hangs in the balance after United Kingdom Prime Minister Gordon Brown threatened he would not attend if Mugabe was invited.
Mugabe is 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 United Kingdom and the United States should ”stay out of his country’s business”.
”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