Maravi

Denmark unsure about Zambia ties beyond 2014

Denmark unsure about Zambia ties beyond 2014
By Moses Kuwema
Mon 18 Apr. 2011, 04:00 CAT

WE are still staying here up to 2013 but what happens after 2014 is very difficult for me to predict, says Danish Ambassador to Zambia Thomas Schjerbeck. Clarifying the reports that the embassy intends to close down in Zambia, Ambassador Schjerbeck said although some workers at the embassy would be laid off, in principle, the embassy would continue to exist.

“We have 25 people altogether but we are still staying here up to 2013; what happens in 2014 is very difficult for me to predict. We are not closing the embassy, we are still staying but it is true that there is a political decision by my minister for development and cooperation to close development aid in 11 countries, and Zambia is one of them.

Actually, it is a sign of good health because Zambia is considered to be on the verge of not suffering very much from Danish withdrawal and this is very positive,” Ambassador Schjerbeck explained.
He said development aid was a big thing and with activities going down, there was need to use people in different ways.

“Actually some of the people here are going to Zimbabwe because we are coming up with a programme there now that there is stability and new possibilities. And all our people local workers are very well trained. I am not worried that they will not find good jobs but we are going to find a system as much as we can for those that cannot continue to work with us,” Ambassador Schjerbeck said.

He said the funds available for development aid were becoming more scarce because of international crises in different places.

Labels: DENMARK, EMBASSIES, THOMAS SCHJERBECK

posted by MrK @ 7:12 PM