ZAMBIA-MALAWI DIPLOMATIC RILE CENTRE STAGE OF COMESA HEADS OF STATE SUMMIT

The 15^th Heads of state and government summit of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa –COMESA- begins in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe today.

COMESA is a regional trade bloc made up of 19 countries from eastern and southern Africa.  The president of Malawi, Bingu Wa Mutharika, who currently heads the organization, is scheduled to chair the summit.

Analysts say the meeting is being overshadowed by the ongoing diplomatic spat between Lilongwe and Lusaka.

This came after Zambia’s new President Michael Sata turned down an invitation to attend the COMESA summit.

Mr Sata was deported from Malawi in 2006 by the Mutharika government after visiting former President Bakili Muluzi and he now wants Lilongwe’s apology, ahead of today’s conference.

The Zambian President is quoted saying that after the incident, the Malawi government has not had the courage to apologise, therefore he finds it extremely difficult to go to Malawi.

But Malawi’s Information Minister, Patricia Kaliati has denied the suggests that relations with Zambia have been strained since Mr Sata was elected Zambia president.

Ms Kaliat however blames the media for over blowing the situation, describing the alleged diplomatic tension as unfortunate.

Meanwhile, Ralph Kasambara, attorney for Mr. Sata, says it is unlikely that the Malawi government will issue an apology to the Zambian leader, despite his efforts to encourage Lilongwe to do so.

However, Mr Kasambara maintains that the Malawi government erred by deporting Mr. Sata.