EU's human rights reputation on the line if Portuguese invite Mugabe to EU Summit, say Conservatives
Posted, September 11, 2007 @ 00:00
The Co-ordinator of the European Parliament’s Development Committee, Nirj Deva, today demanded that the President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, be barred from the forthcoming Lisbon Summit this December.
Speaking to a packed Development Committee, Nirj Deva MEP, Conservative International Development Spokesman, called on the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, to formally ban Mugabe from being attending. Mr Deva told the Commissioner: "This is a vitally important summit; however, it will all go to pot if you allow Robert Mugabe to attend. You must stop him from coming; otherwise this summit will be completely ruined."
In response, Commissioner Michel said: "I share your view and your judgement on Robert Mugabe; however, nothing should be done to delay this summit."
Speaking immediately afterwards to fellow MEPs, Deva said: “Frankly, I would rather see this summit cancelled, than see it completely discredited by allowing this international outcast to attend. After all, this summit is dealing with democracy and human rights in Africa - how on earth can we discuss this seriously when their biggest abuser is violating these principles with impunity.”
Deva concluded: “Five years ago Mr Mugabe banned me from Zimbabwe. I worked flat out to ensure he received the same treatment from the EU. Mugabe will win an important victory if the EU now retreats from this position.”