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(LUSAKATIMES) Sata defends Bush and Mugabe visit coincidence in Zambia

Sata defends Bush and Mugabe visit coincidence in Zambia
TIME PUBLISHED - Sunday, December 4, 2011, 5:45 pm

President Michael Sata has said that Zambia cannot afford to exist in isolation therefore the need to interact with other countries. The President said this today during the departure of Former American President, George .W. Bush.

Mr Sata has refuted that the visit by Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe to Zambia had any connection with the visit of Mr Bush. He explained that Mr. Mugabe is an African neighbour and that his visit to Zambia during Mr. Bush’s trip to Africa is a coincidence.

The President told journalists that during Mr. Mugabe’s visit on Saturday the Heads of State discussed issues regarding unity of Africa.

President Sata hosted Mr. Mugabe and Mr. Bush who has been on each others’ throat.

Mr.Bush left at about 06:55 hours on this morning. Mr.Bush was in Zambia on a two- day working visit to promote HIV/AIDS relief efforts and to create awareness on and cervical cancer.

During his visit Mr. Bush launched the HIV and cancer campaign in Zambia.
Local journalists were upset that they had been quarantined in a truck while American journalists had been allowed to move around.

He also visited the cancer hospital at UTH, Peace Corps and Chikumbuso in Ng’ombe among others.

Meanwhile, Zambian journalists got into a big argument with American Embassy security staff who were forcing them to get into a truck and operate from there during Mr. Bush’s departure.

One of the security personnel told journalists that they had no option but to operate from the truck.

Local journalists were upset that they had been quarantined in a truck while American journalists had been allowed to move around.

Photo journalists and camera persons were also upset that they could not get proper pictures of President Sata.

During Mr. Bush’s visit journalists had been subjected to physical and verbal harassment by American Secret service staff.

Labels: GEORGE BUSH, JOURNALISM, MICHAEL SATA, ROBERT MUGABE

posted by MrK @ 7:04 AM