Maravi

Diplomats warn Rupiah over London Judgment

Diplomats warn Rupiah over London Judgment
Written by Chibaula Silwamba
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 5:33:46 PM

DIPLOMATS have told President Rupiah Banda that his government's failure to register and enforce the London judgment against Frederick Chiluba will send a strong message to the international community that he is not committed to fighting corruption.

And the Cooperating Partners Group Troika told President Banda that his personal leadership is paramount in safeguarding the international reputation of Zambia in the fight against corruption and the quest for good governance.

Meanwhile, the Cooperating Partners Group Troika advised President Banda and his government not to stifle media freedom and freedom of the civil society.

The Cooperating Partners Group Troika comprises embassies/high commissions [or their diplomats] accredited to Zambia and other key donor governments and international organisations.

The CPG Troika representative that met President Banda, Vice-President George Kunda and other senior government officials at State House during a private meeting included US embassy, the World Bank and the Netherlands.

According to a document accessed by The Post, which Netherlands Ambassador to Zambia Harry Molenaar, the donors noted that Zambia's reputation had come under scrutiny within and outside Zambia.

"I should mention that of late, Zambia's reputation when it comes to good economic governance and full commitment in the fight against corruption has come under scrutiny. High profile cases such as the criminal case against former president Chiluba are followed with great interest and are a benchmark to gauge Zambia's commitment in the fight against corruption," the CPG said.

"In this respect we wonder why a judgment of a court of first instance on such a high profile case is not tested by the state through a notice of appeal at a court that is more in line in status with the weight of the case. In this respect, donor countries follow with even greater interest the registration and enforcement by Zambian courts of the London [High Court] civil case judgment. Should the Zambian government decide not to register and enforce the civil judgment, it would be forfeiting an opportunity to recover some or all of the $45 million [US $ 46 million]. Such decision would send a strong message to the citizens of Zambia, our taxpayers and political leaders."

However, the CPG said it was not only the fight against corruption that count but also preventative measures that needed more and focused attention such as the legal framework on procurement, strengthening of accountability systems and transparent management of public funds.

"It is here that we have noted worrisome delays in implementing these matters at the level of line ministries and Cabinet," the CPG said.

"The advancement of good governance is not only the domain of government and its agencies but civil society and the free press have a role to play as well. Proposed measures to regulate civil society and the media should not curtail these organisations [roles] to play in a free, democratic society. We count on government to act in accordance with these principles of freedom and democracy in applying this new law."

The CPG said their nationals and parliamentarians were holding them more accountable if the money donated to Zambia was not properly spent.

"You are undoubtedly aware that the world is changing its attitude towards development cooperation and a more business-like approach is unfolding in which people and members of parliament and civil society in our respective countries are holding us more and more accountable if development funding is abused or spent inefficiently," they said.

"In other words, we have to demonstrate to our constituencies that money is well spent and that political leadership is fully committed to avoid wasteful spending and has zero tolerance towards corruption. It is not only policies in this field that count but first and foremost actions and attitude of its leadership that shape perceptions in our home countries. Hence, your personal leadership is paramount in safeguarding the international reputation of Zambia in the fight against corruption and the quest for good governance."

The CPG said they were happy to meet President Banda to voice out their concerns on contentious issues.

"We very much welcome a meeting with the highest office bearer in the country and want to share with you some observations and concerns on recent developments that in our opinion negatively influenced the perception of Zambia in our respective countries," the CPG said.

Labels: CHILUBA, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 4:34 PM