Mugabe threats Swiss properties in visa war

ZIMBABWE could seize local Swiss government assets in retaliation for that country's decision to refuse visas for six members of President Robert Mugabe's delegation who were due to attend a UN summit in Geneva.

President Mugabe yesterday lashed out at Switzerland for denying visas to part of his delegation to the International Telecommunications Union Summit on Information Communication Technology in Geneva last week, saying Zimbabwe "is not without means to reciprocate".

The move prompted the President to cancel his trip.

In an interview with Herald on arrival at the Harare International Airport from a private visit to the Far East yesterday, President Mugabe said the Swiss government violated international law and Zimbabwe had not run out of options to deal with such issues.

"We were surprised, if not saddened, by what they have done. Much more, the Swiss government has always held itself as a neutral country that did not countenance war as it was neutral in any conflict even during the First and Second World wars," he said.

"Now they are showing that they are vicious and we will reciprocate because they have their properties here. We are not without means to reciprocate," he said.

As hosts of a United Nations meeting, the President said Switzerland had no right to bar delegates of any member-state of the UN from attending such meetings.

Section 11 of the host agreement clearly states that authorities of the host nation shall not impose any impediment to transit to or from the headquarters (of a UN body) on any person invited by the UN or by such specialised agency on official business.

Said President Mugabe: "It is a violation of rules and regulations governing host countries of UN meetings. They are alongside the United States of America because the main part of the UN is hosted in New York and the other part and agencies related to the UN are in Geneva.

"As host country, you should undertake not to inhibit or prohibit visits on UN business."

Commenting on his health, President Mugabe said: "You want to ask me about my health? As you can see, this Mugabe is fit and I do not know with you my other Mugabe."

Members of President Mugabe's delegation who were denied visas by the Swiss government include the First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe, Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, Transport, Communications and Infrastructure Development Minister Nicholas Goche, director-general in the President's Office Happyton Bonyongwe, Secretary for Information and Publicity Mr George Charamba and the President's aide de camp Senior Assistant Commissioner Martin Kwainona.

Information, Communication Technology Minister Nelson Chamisa of MDC-T, who was part of the delegation, was granted a visa.