The MDC’s chief representative in the UK, Hebson Makuvise, said their diplomatic offensive among European Union states is at last paying dividends. Makuvise had a meeting with Portuguese diplomats in London last week Friday and said he was delighted by their announcement Monday that Robert Mugabe would not be welcome at a EU-African Union summit being held in November in Lisbon.

Makuvise said; ‘It was a cordial meeting and I explained to them the importance of adhering to their travel ban on Mugabe and his cronies. I also pointed out that of all the diplomats I have met from the EU states none were willing to let him travel to their countries.’

Portugal’s Foreign Minister Luis Amado said on Monday of Mugabe; ‘Personally I have no interest in Mugabe coming to Lisbon. His presence in Lisbon would be a factor of disturbance.’

The MDC chief said EU diplomats were well aware of what was happening politically and economically and that most of the states were willing to help rebuild the country in a free Zimbabwe.

The delegation comprises among others Tsvangirai, Zapu leader Paul Siwela, National Constitutional Assembly chairman Lovemore Madhuku, Reverand Levy Kadenge from the Christian Alliance, Zinasu President Promise Mkwananzi. Arthur Mutambara will be joining the group in Berlin Tuesday evening.