Mutambara speaks out on sacked Libyan Ambassador

THE decision to expel former Libyan ambassador to Zimbabwe Taher Elmegrahi and his embassy staff was made by Government because the country does not recognise the National Transitional Council which they defected to, Deputy Prime Minister Professor Arthur Mutambara has said.

Responding to questions during a question and answer session in Parliament yesterday, the DPM said by turning his back on Col Muammar Gaddafi, the envoy lost the legitimacy to remain in the country.

Highfield West MP Mr Simon Hove (MDC-T) had asked the DPM to comment on the ultimatum given to the Libyan diplomat in particular on the policy regarding accredited diplomats when governments in their respective countries change.

"The current position in the country is that we have not recognised the regime in Libya. If that is the position of Zimbabwe, it is difficult for us to have an ambassador who now switches to a regime that we have not recognised as a country," said DPM Mutambara.

The DPM said while the common practice internationally was that ambassadors have not changed owing to change of governments like in the United States and the United Kingdom, the Libyan situation was different.

He said Zimbabwe would continue to be guided by Sadc, the African Union, its natio-nal interests and conscience on the Libyan issue. He said currently only 13 African countries had recognised the NTC out of the 53 members of the AU.

The DPM, however, said it was important for parties that constitute the inclusive Government to consult on such national issues so that the decision was collective.

Silobela MP, Mr Anadi Sululu also asked DPM Mutambara to clarify rumours that Col Gaddafi was in Zimbabwe.

In his response, DPM Mutambara said: "Sometimes an individual is given asylum to promote transition in a country. Sometimes a villain, bad person, is given asylum to allow that country to move on. The decision can be structured at Sadc, AU and by one country. Sometimes it is a necessary evil to harbour such a character to facilitate a transition in such a country. Having said that, we have not had that chapter here on Gaddafi. If he is going to come to Zimbabwe, we are going to decide collectively to reject or accept him. Again this Parliament, inclusive Government must have a say. I want to disabuse you of the notion that individuals who are not wanted in their countries should never be given asylum because by giving them you allow for change and progress in those countries."

Elmegrahi and his embassy staff are expected to leave for Tripoli today after they were ordered to leave on Wednesday following their renunciation of Col Gaddafi's authority.