Botswana: Writer accuses regional body of "double standards" towards Mugabe.

Text of report by Botswana newspaper Mmegi on 19 August

[Article by Michael Dingake in the "As I See It" column: "SADC of Double Standards"]

Though unrepresented by Head of State at SADC Sandton meeting on August 16-17, 2008, Botswana made news headlines.

First, the SADC Executive Secretary Dr Salamao tried to dismiss the absence of Botswana lightly. He however correctly stated that the holding of SADC meetings depended on whether the meeting had a quorum of two-thirds of members, not on whether a member(s) was absent.

He explained, that decisions taken at the organization's meetings were binding on all members whether they were present or absent. That implies that SADC has rules and laws to be observed in its processes.

The question arises, whether SADC has no constitution or rules for errant member(s) and whether these rules can be violated with impunity?

Second, Botswana Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Phandu Skelemani without …