Maravi

Kabimba is next to Scott in protocol

Kabimba is next to Scott in protocol
By Kombe Chimpinde
Thu 26 Apr. 2012, 13:50 CAT

PRESIDENT Michael Sata has directed Secretary to the Cabinet Evans Chibiliti to ensure that PF secretary general Wynter Kabimba is acknowledged immediately after Vice-President Guy Scott at all state functions.

The directive was issued in a letter dated April 10, 2012 addressed to Chibiliti and copied to ministers and permanent secretaries and has since been copied and communicated to all relevant government ministries and departments for immediate implementation.

And sources said the clarification in the protocol, however, does not mean Kabimba has assumed any position in government or that he would sit in Cabinet meetings.

"Re: ORDER OF THE PROTOCOL AT STATE FUNCTIONS: I am in receipt of a copy of the letter by the secretary general (PF) dated 13th March, 2012, regarding the above matter," the letter directed to Kabimba and Chibiliti reads in part.

"I totally share the concerns and anxieties as expressed by the secretary general in his letter and hereby direct that your office takes them into serious consideration and acts upon them in conjunction with other relevant officers immediately."

President Sata stated that: "For avoidance of any doubt, the protocol at state functions shall now be as prescribed below: 1. His honour the Vice-President. 2. The secretary general (PF). 3. His lordship the Chief Justice. 4. The RT. Hon Mr Speaker of the National Assembly. 5. Members of the Central Committee . 6. Cabinet ministers. 7. His worship the Mayor. 8. Deputy ministers. 9. Members of Parliament…."

President Sata further added that if present at any particular function, the first lady shall be acknowledged immediately after him.

According to sources, the directive was prompted by the disorderly manner in which sitting arrangements of the party secretary general at state functions and other protocol-related matters were handled by staff in charge of protocol at State House, which Kabimba addressed in a letter to Chibiliti, that was also copied to President Sata.

And Chibiliti, in a letter addressed to permanent secretary for Administration at Cabinet Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism permanent secretary and Kabimba, said he had noted the need for the government to work together with the political leadership on their relationship with members of the diplomatic corps.

"It has been noted that it will be important for government to work together with your office to sensitise government and political leadership on their relationship with members of the Diplomatic Corps. It has been noted that government and political leadership are easily accessible by the members of the diplomatic Corp without the involvement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism," he stated.

"This is contrary to the international norms as provided in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic and Consular Relations, and National Protocol guidelines."
Chibiliti stated that the provisions were aimed at ensuring sovereignty and security of a country.

"It has therefore been agreed that this matter will be presented to Cabinet. However, there is need for my office to work together with the party to sensitise the political leadership in this respect," stated Chibiliti.

Labels: EVANS CHIBILITI, GUY SCOTT, VICE PRESIDENCY, WYNTER KABIMBA

posted by MrK @ 4:22 PM