THE Cuban government has apologised to Zambia over the conduct of its expelled diplomat Nicolas Pages Vilas.

Foreign Affairs Minister Joe Malanji confirmed this to Journalists in Lusaka yesterday.

Mr Malanji explained that the former Ambassador has also apologised to the Zambian Government in his personal capacity. Mr Malanji said criticism over Government’s decision to revoke the former Cuban Ambassador’s credentials was inappropriate and misguided.

He said article 41 of the Vienna Convention was clear on how diplomats were supposed to conduct themselves.

“The Government of Cuba has already apologised to the Zambian Government and equally, in his personal capacity, the former Ambassador also apologised and regretted his action. So basically what we are looking at now is the replacement from Cuba of the outgoing short lived Ambassador.

“Some people are misleading the nation that we were so harsh in this matter, the thing is very straight forward and rules must be followed,” Mr Malanji said.

The Cuban envoy was last Sunday given seven days to leave the country.

His expulsion followed revelations that the envoy had attended the launch of the Socialist Party and made remarks in support of the new opposition party.