Maravi

Zambia rallies behind President

Zambia rallies behind President
Herald Reporter

THE Zambian government has thrown its weight behind President Mugabe and his fight against neo-colonialism. Speaking to journalists after meeting the President at State House in Harare yesterday, visiting Zambian Vice President Mr Rupiah Banda said in Cde Mugabe, Zimbabweans had one of the most outstanding leaders in Africa and the world. He said Cde Mugabe had done a lot for Africa and had helped the continent to understand the struggle against neo-colonialism and to look after its people.

"And we are proud to stand in front of the world and say this is our brother and that any problems here or in Zambia can be solved by ourselves within the context of our continent and our organisation; and that Zimbabwe is a sovereign State which should be respected by all and that within its sovereignty, its people decide who is their leader and as far as we are concerned, right here (pointing at President Mugabe), we have one of the most outstanding leaders in the world and in Africa."

Mr Banda said it took a lot of courage by President Mugabe and his Government to embark on the land reform programme and acquire land that was in the hands of foreigners for redistribution to its rightful owners. He urged Zimbabweans to jealously guard the land so that it does not go back into the hands of foreigners. The Zambian Vice President, who was in the country to attend the 27th Independence Anniversary celebrations at Rufaro Stadium on Wednesday, said he was impressed by the event.

He came with a delegation comprising the Deputy Minister of Finance and National Planning Mr Jonas Shakafuswa, Deputy Defence Minister Mr Maimbwa Akakandelwa, Deputy Minister in the Vice President’s Office Mrs Gladys Lundwe and ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy vice national secretary Major Richard Kachingwe.

President Mugabe expressed gratitude that Mr Banda and his delegation had attended the Independence celebrations, saying this further showed the closeness of the two countries which once shared the same colonial name — Rhodesia.

Under the failed Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland in the 1950s, Zambia was Northern Rhodesia while Zimbabwe was Southern Rhodesia.

The two countries were working together in various areas on the economic front under their Joint Commission, the President said, adding that they worked together in building Chirundu Bridge a few years ago.

Cde Mugabe said the visit by the Zambian Vice President was a friendly gesture and that they had reminisced about the past and the liberation struggle during their meeting, which was also attended by Vice President Joice Mujuru and Foreign Affairs Minister Cde Simbarashe Mumbengegwi.

Mr Banda and his delegation later visited the National Heroes’ Acre where he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

He said he personally knew some of the heroes interred at the national shrine such as Cdes Herbert Chitepo, Jason Moyo and Josiah Tongogara.

The solidarity shown by the Zambian government comes in the wake of statements by the northern neighbour’s founding president, Dr Kenneth Kaunda; former president Mr Fredrick Chiluba; and opposition leader Mr Michael Sata in support of the Zimbabwe Government and its policies.

The Zambian politicians roundly criticised Britain for reneging on its promise to fund land reforms and imposing sanctions against Zimbabwe.

Labels: RUPIAH BANDA, ZIMBABWE

posted by MrK @ 7:52 PM