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(TIMES) Zambia committed to SADC–Zimbabwe solution

Zambia committed to SADC–Zimbabwe solution
By Times Reporter

ZAMBIA is committed to the efforts by the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) to help restore political harmony and economic prosperity in Zimbabwe. South African high commissioner to Zambia, Mabokela Chikane has said that President Mwanawasa faces a challenge of solving problems affecting the SADC member countries. Communications and Transport minister Dora Siliya said yesterday at the 14th South African national day that Zambia was saddened by the unfortunate economic and political difficulties that affected Zimbabwe.

“I wish to assure the government and the people of South Africa and the SADC region as whole, that the Zambian Government shall remain committed to SADC efforts aimed at the restoration of political harmony and economic prosperity to our brotherly state of Zimbabwe,” she said.

Ms Siliya said Zambia was happy with the role the Government and the people of South Africa continued to play in trying to find an amicable solution to the political impasse in Zimbabwe.

She said Zambia and Zimbabwe shared not only a common history and heritage but also future aspirations as evidenced by the committed membership to SADC and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa regional blocs.

On South Africa, she said the interaction between the people of both countries transcended modern history as it dated back to ancestral roots that ensured the development of strong bonds in development.

The Zambian Government believed that the forth-coming Joint permanent Commission between the two countries would provide an opportunity to review the performance of the cooperation.

She said Zambia was convinced that efforts in promoting increased and strengthened economic ties between the two countries must not be left to the two governments alone but the private sector should also be encouraged.

“Zambia, apart from offering attractive incentives to foreign investors has decided to offer priority treatment on issues of land to those intending to set up joint business partnerships with Zambia citizens,” she said.

Mr Chikane said he was happy that President Mwanawasa had made it clear that there was no crisis but challenges in Zimbabwe and the SADC region.

He was happy to see First Republican President, Kenneth Kaunda embracing his successor Frederick Chiluba saying that was what Zambia was known for humility and comfort.

Mr Chikane said Zambia played a crucial role in the liberation of South Africa although Africa and the SADC region faced challenges such as poverty, illiteracy and unemployment.

The high commissioner recognised the efforts that Dr Kaunda and his colleagues made in liberating Africa and the southern African region in particular.

He said Zambia and South Africa needed to work together in order to find solution in health, agriculture and trade.

He said peace was very important for development and with leaders like Dr Mwanawasa and his colleagues, many objectives could be achieved.

Labels: ELECTIONS, JENDAYI FRASER, MWANAWASA, SADC, ZIMBABWE

posted by MrK @ 11:53 PM