(LUSAKATIMES) UPND’s Hakainde Hichilema defends his meeting with RB

UPND’s Hakainde Hichilema defends his meeting with RB
Friday, March 13, 2009, 22:55

United Party for National Development UPND- president, Hakainde Hichilema, says his meeting with President Rupiah Banda should not be politicized.

Mr. Hichilema says he met the president to consult with him on a range of issues affecting the nation.

He says the meeting gave his party an opportunity to make suggestions on the economic recovery of the country.

Mr. Hichilema says the substance of the meeting was essential and it is up to government to accept the UPND proposals or not

Mr. Hichilema told ZNBC news that the two discussed issues relating to the economy and job losses in the Mining Sector.

He said the meeting also looked at the need for voter registration and the electoral system in the country.

The meeting also looked at the need to speed up the completion of the National Constitutional Conference so that the money being spent on the programme is channeled elsewhere.

On Thursday, President Banda held a consultative meeting with Mr Hichilema.

The Church and various civil society groups have welcomed the meeting between President, Rupiah Banda and an opposition leader.

The civil society organizations said dialogue is the only way in which solutions to challenges facing the country can be found.

Council of Churches in Zambia Secretary General, Susanne Matale, told ZNBC news that the meeting between Mr. Banda and UPND leader, Hakainde Hichilema is a positive development.

And Caritas Zambia Executive Director, Sam Mulafulafu, said it is the hope every Zambian that the discussion between the two leaders will bear fruit.

Meanwhile, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions president, Leonard Hikaumba has appealed to other organisations and political parties to uphold dialogue and avoid confrontation.

Chief Government spokesperson, Ronnie Shikapwasha, has urged political parties to put their differences aside and work towards developing the country.

Lieutenant General, Shikapwasha says government is willing to work with all Zambians in its efforts to develop the country.

General Shikapwasha who is also information minister says government is ready accept ideas from opposition political parties that can contribute to the development of the nation.