by Mail & Guardian / Owen Gagare, Everson Mushava
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Zuma, elected chairperson of the SADC troika on politics, defence and security during the summit, was immediately criticised by SADC chairperson President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.
Mugabe said Zuma should cooperate with other countries instead of seeking to turn the region into a market for South Africa’s products.
SADC members signed the protocol in August 2012, but South Africa and Namibia requested more time to consider. The protocol sets out general obligations for all state parties with regard to the treatment of services and service suppliers from other countries. It does not contain liberalisation obligations, but provides for a mandate to progressively negotiate removal of barriers to the free movement of services.
Available: http://mg.co.za/article/2014-08-18-mugabe-snipes-at-zuma-over-sadc-trade-protocol