Maravi

Govt asks diplomats to stop direct contacts with ministries

Govt asks diplomats to stop direct contacts with ministries
Written by Bivan Saluseki
Monday, October 19, 2009 6:56:53 AM

THE Zambian government has asked all diplomats to stop direct contacts with ministries.

In a note verbale No. 1996/2009 to all heads of diplomatic, consular, trade missions and international organisations accredited to Zambia dated October 5, 2009, the Ministry of Foreign affairs stated that there would no longer be direct contacts with all ministries except through foreign affairs.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminded the diplomats about the need to uphold the provisions of the 1961 Vienna Convention in particular Article 41 sub paragraph (1) which calls on all diplomats to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State and not to interfere in the internal affairs of the host country, as well as, sub paragraph (2) which stipulates that all official business with the receiving State shall be conducted with or through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"In this regard, the ministry wishes to advise that henceforth, all contacts with government ministries and institutions will be conducted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To this end, direct contacts by members of the diplomatic corps will with immediate effect no longer be entertained," it stated.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Zambia avails itself of this opportunity to renew to all heads of diplomatic, consular, trade missions and international organisations accredited to the Republic of Zambia the assurances of its highest consideration."

Recently, information minister Lt Gen Ronnie Shikapwasha accused former minister of defence George Mpombo of being one of those allegedly holding secret meetings with some diplomats with a view to bringing down the government.

But Mpombo dismissed the allegations.

And Minister of Home Affairs Lameck Mangani said the government had uncovered a scam in which some diplomats had been holding secret meetings with some former government officials with a view to bringing down the government.

Lt Gen Shikapwasha said the government was making consultations through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ascertain if the actions of some diplomats accredited to Zambia have the blessings of their respective countries.

Labels: DIPLOMATIC SERVICE, GEORGE MPOMBO, LAMECK MANGANI, MINISTRIES, RONNIE SHIKAPWASHA

posted by MrK @ 5:57 AM