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There are lessons from Mubarak’s ouster - Egyptian envoy

There are lessons from Mubarak’s ouster - Egyptian envoy
By Mwala Kalaluka
Mon 14 Feb. 2011, 04:01 CAT

THE Egyptian Ambassador says there are big lessons that should be learnt from the ouster of president Hosni Mubarak from office through a revolution led by the youths. And MMD vice-presidency aspirant Mike Mulongoti says Zambia can only develop if its nationals enhance their sense of belonging.

In an interview at Lusaka’s Nakatindi Hall during celebrations to mark the birthday of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad on Saturday, Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia Salah El-Sadek described the political developments in Egypt as a new era.

“It is a new era. It is an Egypt that will become stronger,” said Ambassador Sadek of Friday’s resignation of president Mubarak from his 30-year reign following 18 days of mass protests. “It is the wish of the people and the will of the people. There will be many lessons that we shall learn from that.”

Ambassador Sadek, who is also Egypt’s permanent representative to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa COMESA, said there was need to learn not to bend for any foreign dictates or interference.

“There is a very big lesson that we have learnt from our youths. They have astonished their leaders. They have astonished the Middle East. They have even astonished themselves,” Ambassador Sadek said.

“President Mubarak resigned his position as president of Egypt out of the request and will of the people. This is a real revolution that took place from the youths.”
He said president Mubarak had played his role.

“He has served his country, but it’s time for change. It’s time for the youngsters,” Ambassador Sadek said. “I assume we can make it.”

However, Ambassador Sadek said bilateral relations between Zambia and Egypt would not be affected by the political changes in his country.

And Mulongoti, who was the guest of honour at the celebrations, said in an interview that the Muslim community in Zambia was contributing positively to the country’s economic growth.

“Each one of us belongs to this land,” he said.

Mulongoti, who is also works and supply minister, said the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation was not meant to block anybody from practicing their religion.

“As far as I know, the Republican Constitution allows every Zambian to worship the way they want,” said Mulongoti.

Labels: AMBASSADOR, EGYPT

posted by MrK @ 7:47 AM