Maravi

(TIMES) ‘I’m ready to provide platform for dialogue’

‘I’m ready to provide platform for dialogue’
By Times Reporter

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has said he has always been ready to provide a platform for dialogue with opposition political parties and other stakeholders to discuss challenges affecting the nation.

Mr Banda said in Lusaka yesterday that he had always called for dialogue with the opposition and was happy that they now acknowledged the importance of discussing.
The president was speaking to journalists at the Lusaka International Airport after his arrival from a private visit to Chipata.

“I have always called on my colleagues on the need for us to sit and dialogue on various issues affecting our nation,” he said when asked about the latest position by opposition parties.

“It is good that our colleagues have acknowledged the importance of dialoguing and those who have accepted to meet with me I will meet them any time,” Mr Banda said.
Opposition political parties including the Patriotic Front (PF) have called on the Government to provide a platform on which they could offer solutions to the problems affecting the nation.

Others called for a national economic convention to discuss strategies to overcome the effects of the global financial crisis.

Mr Banda also said it was sad that the people who were advocating the speedy enactment of a new Constitution had now turned around and were saying it was too costly.

He said the National Constitutional Conference (NCC), which some people were today condemning, was meant to put in place a new Constitution and it was surprising that some people wanted it suspended.

On the recent withdrawal of Zambia from hosting the All-Africa Games, Mr Banda said the decision was made after consultations after the Government realised that it was likely to spend a lot of money. He, however, said sports activities would remain important in the country.

And Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, Ronnie Shikapwasha said the Government has welcomed the decision by PF leader, Michael Sata to draft proposals which would later be given to President Banda on how to reduce prices of mealie meal. Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha said the Government would always welcome suggestions from stakeholders.

Gen Shikapwasha, who was speaking in an interview, was reacting to Mr Sata who was quoted as having said that his party was drafting proposals on how to reduce the cost of production, which he said was too high.

He said the Government would use the proposals to implement the programmes for the benefit of the people and reiterated its stance to continue calling for dialogue among stakeholders or political parties as it was necessary.

Labels: INTERPARTY DIALOGUE, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 6:58 PM