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Free and vibrant press is vital, says Ross

Free and vibrant press is vital, says Ross
Written by George Chellah
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 3:55:19 PM

BRITISH High Commission second secretary for Political, Press and Public Affairs Gordon Ross has observed that the Task Force on Corruption’s successes led to Zambia enjoying a strong reputation internationally, warning that reputations can be easily tarnished.

And Ross has noted that a free and vibrant press that is able to challenge and criticise government is an important element of a democratic society.

Responding to a press query from The Post, Ross stated that both the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Task Force on Corruption, as set up by late President Levy Mwanawasa, had done a commendable job in tackling corruption.

“Under the stewardship of Maxwell Nkole the Task Force has successfully prosecuted individuals who have abused Zambia's resources and had led to Zambia enjoying a strong reputation internationally for the fight against corruption,” Ross stated. “Reputations can be easily tarnished if the basis on which they build is not deepened and strengthened. We therefore hope and expect that this good work will continue, and we look forward to the further strengthening of the fight against corruption in Zambia.

“The UK stands ready to support implementation of the Anti-Corruption Policy and continue its support in Zambia's fight against corruption. Since 2000, the UK has provided £7m to the ACC and £1.4m to the Task Force.”

He stated that the UK was following events connected with the Chiluba judgment and the Task Force with particular interest, as they were of great importance to Zambia and the Zambian people.

“The decision on whether to appeal against former president Chiluba's acquittal is for the Zambian government to make,” Ross stated. “The Zambian government has expressed its commitment to tackling corruption. The Zambian people have a right to see such commitment being implemented and be assured that no individual should be above the law.”

He commended the Zambian government for approving and launching the National Anti-Corruption Policy.

“As the President himself said at this launch, justice needs not only to be done but also to be seen to be done. The challenge for the Zambian government is to effectively implement this policy. Good policies do not always lead to good actions and it is the implementation and impact of this policy that the Zambian people will be interested in seeing,” Ross stated.

He stated that the UK worked closely with the government on all areas where they provided funds.

“The government has given a commitment to abide by the principles of good governance and sound financial management. If we have concerns we discuss these with the government and together agree appropriate action,” he stated.

On statutory regulation of the media, Ross stated that anyone affected by restriction of freedom of expression must be able to challenge the validity of that restriction before an independent court or tribunal.

“The UK recognises that there should be an appropriate balance between the human right to freedom of expression (guaranteed in UN regional rights instruments and national constitutions) and the need to protect individual reputations,” stated Ross.

“However, restrictions on free speech must meet stringent criteria. Any restriction on expression or information must be prescribed by law. The UK government believes that a press free from interference from the State is fundamental to democracy. For this reason, we would not seek to intervene in any way in what a newspaper chooses to publish.

Labels: CENSORSHIP, GORDON ROSS, PRESS FREEDOM, TASK FORCE

posted by MrK @ 2:57 PM