German Ambassador to Zambia Bernd Finke has said that his country does indeed have a political agenda in Zambia, but dismissed assertions that the agenda is by any means guided by party politics or party programmes.
In an issued press statement responding to media commentary suggesting that foreign diplomats are interfering in Zambia’s internal affairs and thus violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the German Ambassador said that his country’s political agenda is guided by long term commitment to fundamental political principles, such as the rule of law, democracy, the promotion of human rights and inclusive economic growth and welfare.
Below is the full statement
Lusaka, 11 th March 2016
– Press Release –
Do Diplomats Interfere in Zambia’s Internal Affairs?
— Observations by German Ambassador Bernd Finke —
Over the past weeks I have seen a number of articles in the Zambian media or letters to newspaper editors which suggest that foreign diplomats interfere in Zambia’s internal affairs and thus violate the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
To support this assertion, commentators mostly refer to regular meetings between diplomats and representatives of the opposition parties or they quote public statements by diplomats on governance and human rights issues such as the freedom of expression, freedom of assembly or the freedom from discrimination. Another bone of contention seems to be the financial assistance, which is provided by Embassies to Zambian civil society organizations. Diplomats are also suspected of pursuing so-called political agendas in order to support a regime change in the country.
Well, as far as I am concerned the commentators have a point: I have regular meetings with members of the opposition, I make public statements on human rights issues, Germany supports civil society organizations and – yes – my country does have a political agenda in Zambia. But is it justified to qualify these activities as unlawful interferences into Zambia’s domestic affairs? My answer is “no”, and here are the reasons why:
Let me start with the issue of “political agendas”: Germany does indeed have a political agenda in Zambia. But this agenda is by no means guided by party politics or party programmes. It is guided by our long term commitment to fundamental political principles, such as the rule of law, democracy, the promotion of human rights and inclusive economic growth and welfare. In implementing this agenda Germany has always been a reliable and predictable partner for Zambia.
There are no surprises as to what my country stands for or what we would like to accomplish in Zambia, in close cooperation with the Zambian Government and people. Germany’s agenda in this beautiful country is based on bilateral agreements with the Zambian Government. We do not impose anything, we do not have hidden agendas, but a common understanding about what we would like to achieve together.
Only a few months ago I signed a bilateral agreement with the Minister of Finance, which foresees an increase of German development cooperation assistance to Zambia by 50 percent. Our long term relationship with Zambia is guided by a close, trustful and open dialogue on issues of mutual interest and concern.
When it comes to the issue of changes of government: I agree it is entirely up to the Zambian people to elect the government of their choice. Germany has closely cooperated with all Zambian Governments since independence in 1964. Our interest is in seeing that the elections are free, fair and peaceful. And once the winner is proclaimed after free, fair, credible and peaceful elections, we stand ready to continue to support all efforts in Zambia aimed at reducing poverty, and further strengthening democracy and human rights.
These are the guiding principles and points of reference of Germany’s political agenda in this country, as also stressed by German Foreign Minister Steinmeier during his the recent visit to Lusaka in November 2015.As far as meetings with members of the opposition are concerned – should foreign diplomats in Zambia refrain from meeting with Hakainde Hichelema or Nevers Mumba or Edith Nawaki or with any other representative of the opposition? Again, I say “no”, we should not.
It is part of our mandate as diplomats to engage with all strands of Zambia’s society and provide our governments back home with a balanced picture of Zambia’s political, economic, social and cultural situation and vision. Zambia is not a totalitarian state where only one opinion – the government’s opinion – is permitted. Zambia is a democracy with a pluralistic society and a broad spectrum of competing ideas and political visions. As we see in all our countries, an opposition party today can be a government tomorrow.
My government in Berlin is keen to learn about the various views and agendas of Zambia’s many political actors. They might be, should the Zambian voters so decide, our future cooperating partners. This is why we diplomats not only interact with the Government but also with members of the opposition or civil society: to get first hand information about their views on the current situation of the country and to provide our own governments with a balanced and objective analysis of what is going on in Zambia.
We met with Michael Sata, for example, when he was in opposition. Now we meet with the current opposition parties. We do not take sides,we do not campaign, we gather information. This is not interference in Zambia’s domestic affairs, but an integral part of a diplomat’s job, and, as Foreign Minister Kalaba has rightly put it, a matter of routine in democratic countries.
On the issue of diplomats’ statements on human rights issues: The universal promotion of human rights is a major part of the foreign policy agenda of all our four countries. We are states parties to most international human rights treaties, and we play an active in the relevant United Nations organizations, such as the Human Rights Council in Geneva, UNESCO in Paris and the General Assembly in New York.
On top of that, we have our bilateral development cooperation agreements, which make the protection and promotion of human rights an integral part of our political agenda. Again, discussing, even publicly, our respective human rights records is nothing to worry about. Given the universal character of human rights their protection and promotion is not a political choice we have but a legal obligation we should fulfil.
In this perspective we see ourselves as a part of the international human rights monitoring system in Zambia, just like Zambia should be a part of the international human rights monitoring system in Germany. I sometimes hear Zambians saying that they do not accept being lectured by the West on human rights; they refer to the human rights challenges in our own countries and suggest that we should mind our own business.
To these I say that our human rights policy is not a policy of preaching or lecturing. We are very well aware of the fact that richer and more developed countries do not have a monopoly on safeguarding human rights.
We have all homework to do and we will only live up to our role and standards if we accept that safeguarding human rights at home is everyday a new task. We therefore should all speak openly about human rights violations without sparing anybody’s feelings regardless of a country’s size and importance, even if that sometimes means criticizing neighbors, partners and friends.
The principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of States is a well-established and important part of international law. It is a corollary of every state’s right to sovereignty and territorial integrity, and it is enshrined in the Vienna Convention of Diplomatic Relations. In order to become unlawful the interference must be forcible or dictatorial, or otherwise coercive.
Meeting with members of the opposition surely does not fall into this category; it is, to refer again to Foreign Minister Kalaba’s remarks, a matter of routine between mature democratic states and a normal exercise of a diplomat’s functions.
And speaking out on human rights issues in our respective countries is an obligation we all have. It reflects our commitment to help putting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into practice – for the benefit of the people of Germany and Zambia alike.
I totally agree with u diplomats for supporting & endorsing HH. Every right thinking Zambian will do the same by voting for someone who can help uplift the living standards of our people. Looking forward to working in collaboration with u after August.
“Zambia is not a totalitarian state where only one opinion – the government’s opinion – is permitted.”, Thank You Sir
Say no more!
Diplomats serve best interest of their home governments. Therefore, in any democratic polity counting on the diplomatic Corp to realize political power is naive and delusional at worst. Their ability to solicit votes from among self worth citizens for any political actor in competition with respect to elections is dismal. Like in Zimbabwe Changirai has been a donor candidate for over 12 years now yet he remains a wagging tail in his home politics. The same is true Kenya’s Laila Odinga.
Who is supporting HH here. Ichisungu chakupita.
They will never ever win HH any votes. I Would ‘ve been more concerned if the Zambian election ballot papers were printed in England or America or in the west. But as long one China, south Africa & the majority pan-africanist are staying muted, Lungu wins this August…. Let HH go AND ask the opposition in Uganda, Zimbabwe, Gabon and….
Tick me down you UPND feckers!!
No one is ticking you down my Comrade.
It appears people are still very sore in the backside because of that meeting let’s give the “hurtees” a little time to heal, it cut a raw nerve. I wonder why kkkkkkk
KANGWA, DID YOU READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE AND UNDERSTOOD IT? IF THE GERMANY DIPLOMAT’S ENGLISH WAS DIFFICULT (THOUGH I FOUND IT SIMPLE AND STRAIGHT FORWARD) FOR YOU, YOU SHOULD HAVE CONSULTED SOME OF YOUR COLLEAGUES WHO UNDERSTAND ENGLISH BETTER. THAT’S WHY YOU CHAPS GET SUED. I HAVE READ AND FULLY UNDERSTOOD THE DIPLOMAT’S ARTICLE AND THERE’S NOWHERE WHERE HE SAID THEY SUPPORTED AND ENDORSED HH. I URGE YOU DISCUSS THESE ISSUES INTELLIGENTLY, AFTER HAVING UNDERSTOOD ANYONE’S ARTICLE VERY WELL.
KANGWA M, AS FOR ME I CAN NOT VOTE OR ENDORSE HH, AM A RIGHT THINKING ZAMBIA WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN YOUR HH WHO IN MY OPINION CAN NOT MAKE A GOOD PRESIDENT, ONE THE MAN THINKS HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO IS EDUCATED IN ZAMBIA, TWO THE MAN IS SELF CENTERED, THREE HE IS A PRODUCT OF TRIBALISM.
WE NEED A TRUE SERVANT IN STATE HOUSE NOT A MASTER LIKE YOUR HH
We love the Germans because we love Audi & Mercedes. Please dear Germans, don’t mind these cadres by the name of Frank Bwalya, they are put in such positions by their masters to frustrate third-parties like opposition parties & you the ambassadors. Don’t let these 1diots ruin the relationship that German & Zambia has built for many years.
@Spark Arrows. Sometimes it is wise to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are wise than open it and just confirm that you are a …. need I say more?
Might Germany has spoken! What happened to senior Tuckey ??? Am looking forward to more dancing protest from PF after the Germany statement
@ndobo,
you are slowly loosing it here.
can’t you see that this political fight is all about ‘the west vs the east?’
these guys are using us to settle old scores through the so called ‘aid for africa’ which we do not even see.
sometimes its wise to look and ponder over these issues that border on another imminent ‘scramble for africa’
in fact it is not long ago that even your hh was saying and warning us zambians, that we do not need basungus to develop our country, what has changed now?
learn from Zimbabwe (Svangirai) and Kenya (Odinga). These guys were heavily supported by the West Governments and they Heavily lost. The point I am trying to put forward is that, Africans have realized that these guys are trouble makers. Wherever they meddle, there is trouble. Look at what is happening in Middle East. Even here we going to teach them a lesson by rejecting HH with a very big defeat. Come August we will go home laughing.
You must PF stup!d to say Mugabe won against MDC , Mugabe stole those elections the world knows! So your example is as lame as PF
They met your Sata when he was in opposition, did that cause trouble for him? Oh, pardon me….. you meant trouble for the ruling party!
They met your Sata when he was in opposition, did that cause polical trouble? Oh, pardon me….. you meant trouble for the ruling party!
As far as voting is concerned, please speak for yourself and not “we” because I am voting for Kachema!
Yes my Comrade @ Kant Neva, that is what every Zambian should do. They fail to understand we have no interest in giving HH a Donkey’s Ar.se of a chance because of all this sh.it.
You fools will laugh at yourselves because you will always be poor with your stupid thinking.
My friends and I watched HH being interviewed on BBC over the weekend. My friends (two South Africans, a Namibian and a Motswana) were impressed by HH’s responses. They all agreed that the guy (HH) is presidential material. I agreed with them but told them that they should not be surprised to hear that the man has lost in the August elections because of the very high illiteracy rate and voting on tribal lines. I also told them that issues don’t count in Zambia. They were shocked because they had a completely different picture of Zambia. Truth must always be told even to foreigners.
Even us Africans , Zambians to be specific do indeed have a political agenda in Europe and America, we all have heard stories of Africans endorsing this candidate over the other because they feel he will have a soft spot for them, just look at current presidential campaigns in America, i presume most of you pf chaps are not for the idea of donald trump becoming president, just like most illegal immigrants in the USA or terrorist groups prefer having Democrats in power than Republicans. We even know which candidate when elected president will put more support in pepfar, etc.
Yes but we don’t interfere in their elections.
NDIWE SHILU MABALA..comparing American politics to Zambian politics, how dull is that…
Another Patriot Abroad on site?? Choose a different name
The problem with africans is politicising even what is crystal clear thereby exposing their ignorance to international levels.
are you a white as.s yourself??
Diplomats are not to be seeing playing the cadrism role by being paraded by the opposition and making political statements when in fact they swear before the head of state during presentation of their credentials at state house.
@ 1mbecile above
Did you read statement?
From where you got info that foreign diplomats make oath to the host head of state?
1MBECILE stop insulting human intelligence
@ HH Techilema
If wishes were horses beggers would indeed ride!
@short memory, they do present their credentials. That is an act symbolising that they are in the country under that authority.
How can they respect your country when your government is always going to them bowl in hand? Even your national budget is funded by western donors. Corruption is all what your leaders know. So where is your pride, you good for nothing clowns?
You UPND illiterates, no were has the Ambassador said he supports the under five HH. Re-read and educate yourselves. These guys cannot support a violent party like UPND. They have gathered enough data to know this. By the way UPND and its cadres are behaving, no Developed country can support such a confused, violent, regional party like UPND. They have learned enough from Rwanda experience. It is a done deal. PF rules for more terms to come. UPND will get lost in the very dust it is raising.
Either that or they are a bunch of *****.s
UPND v PF… it is like they can’t just view anything without party blinkers!!!
What has the Ambassadors statement got to do with endorsing or not any political contender? Guys, from both camps, grow up!!
Yes grow up and stop being tools of hate .Each topic that comes up ends up being a fight between *****s from PF and DUNDERHEADS from UPND. Be sober and get a life!
Don’t sit on the fence @Mailos, pick a side
With hindsight, I think it’s good that the diplomats met with UPND leaders in such an intimate atmosphere as a luncheon. They are privileidged to have seen the emptiness of the party and its leader. No principles, he wants to fight corruption by embracing the culprits themselves. I bet Ambassador Finke’s report to Bonn Went like this: “Your Excellency Angela Merkel, we have the leading Zambian opposition figure. We cannot make sense out of him, he seems to have no guiding principles apart from a burning desire to get into power. His economic ideas for Zambia are also nothing but hot air, his understanding very shallow. We are in trouble as Germany and Zambia if he gets what he wants, but we can only wait and see as we cannot interfere in the local politics.”
We can mock them, but trust me they think HH with his wealth is their type. They should puke eating in a house of a thief lording it over the very people he ‘ mines asset striped.’
The fundamental issues here are rule of law, human rights, freedom of assembly and association, etc. Before we can talk of economic development the political environment that upholds the fundamentals above should be in place. In other words, you need to have a responsible and accountable political leadership for your economy to flourish.
Political environment is the nursery for the economic outcomes. The more disorganised politically, the poorer the economy. Our mandate is to ensure that we make the appropriate political choices to guarantee economic development.
Rule of Law my foot! is there rule of law in your America…?? for your own information, In the western/Washington consensus thinking countries, the rule of law is WHITE and if you are of a colour skin other than Caucasian, then you are fecked my Friend.
so let America and their coalition of the willing feckers leave us (African/Zambians) alone, and we decide our own construction of what should constitute the rule of law.
Yes and Totalitarianism is not as bad as it is made up especially where people get the right to support through ballot or indicate unpopularity through ballot.
It’s not all about Western ideals that suit all.
@ mailos
You are asking brainwashed intellectual failures and 1mbeciles across political divide to use reasoning before making 5tupid comments???
@Mailos, your characature of PF supporters is abusive and does not show any respect nor upholding the human rights of your friends to pick their side.
Clearly you have not understood Herr Finke.
Pardon above comment for @short memory not mailos
Simply put, what the Ambassador said is that there are agreed international standards to measure the political health of democratic countries. These do not conflict, but help entrench democratic ideals in sovereign states, for the good of the people, not individuals only.
@bee esi
Don’t patronise. Herr finke and mates are interfering. What of other diplomats from other countries? Are they stu.pid not to act like them. They are inciting divisions.
#WE LOVE ECL and will vote for him come august,,,,,,remain with yo so called diplomats ba upnd as we are busy delivering development to the people of this mother land and if ur not happy go to Germany and feel the racism of that country…..i did my first degree there and its rubbish mwandi i cant lie blacks are treated as second class if not third class…….We are doing it again with or without the support of th so called western diplomats and wat we dont want is interferance in our political field
Spoken like a true and civilised diplomat – forget the elections, just put this guy as your president.
Sad that he had to explain himself like this like he’s teaching special education year 4 kids. You would think this would be known by these dimw!t cadres who not only embarrassed themselves but also embarrassed us by parading themselves in front of international cameras.
You think all the free money your govt leaders signs for but they end up abusing comes without conditions attached? Good governance, human rights and rule of law are among some of the conditions attached to the aid they provide us.
Just look at the articulation, eloquence and maturity of the language and compare that to our so called leaders… notice the difference? Yeah me too.
@Maverick
You are sort of contradicting yourself by sounding like you have the upper hand here. What Herr Finke is doing is unacceptable. Frankly they can take their money and go if the cost is we have them causing wars in our country.
How many Africans live in German? So ba UPND be careful because if it’s you a black man who misbehaves in German, these guys will deport you like a d0g instantly.
The German Chancellor is a good lady but this diplomat is being too overzealous. We all know where German is coming from and so bwana diplomat stay away from our internal politics. Zambia is a Sovereign State and you have no right whatsoever to start undermining us please.
There is no need by the foreign diplomats to undermine Zambia. PF has already achieved that.
Germany should be the last country advising us on issues of democracy… where it not for these Germans, Africa would have been a paradise.
Remember, the petition of Africa (doctored by the Germans). PLEASE, LEAVE US ALONE!!!
UPND under CARTEL! The people WATCHDOG was condemning night and day. I don’t read watchdog 4 over a year now. What are you saying WATCHDOG when yo partyis now underthe cartel? Are you stillsupporting him? If you are still supporting you are immoral and stop attacking others. THOSE THAT LIVE GLASS HOUSES SHOULD NOT THROUGH STONES!
WE SHALL VOTE FOR LUNGU
“…There are no surprises as to what my country stands for…”
Just remember the shocks and retractions, flip-flopping, unpredictable, drunken, simply mad and idea-less management of a nation by PF/Lungu.
Contradicting Herr Finke if you think paragraph 2 is what his interest is. Clearly it is interfering.
You PF Kaponyas! what can you tell the Germany envoy! Tomorrow you will be on your knees with a begging bowl asking for alms from his country imwe ba kolwe! Why are you so afraid of the UPND! You say UPND is not a factor but each time you open your beaks its just about HH. Concentrate on rebuilding the economy you I’d!ots! The hungry people can’t eat roads imwe ba kolwe! The questions u should be asking yourselves is what will the hungry people without money be transporting on those roads!
@Kaputo Davies
We instead ask how the wealthy entrepreneurs in Zambia will make more money to help the poor if they don’t have roads to transport their goods to market.
Just do your job. These kaponyas just want you to be praise singers or passive bystanders while they are using and begging money from you all the while abusing peoples human rights and stealing your tax payers money.
@mwe Bantu
Unfortunately that us MIT their job as you state. They HAVE to be passive and NOT coercive, dictatorial ad Herr FInke stated otherwise they are interfering with sovereignity and integrity of gov’t of Zambias territory.
Read and Think and contribute correctly.
Put very plain and simple by the Germany ambassador but because of stone age and clogged brains, you March to the chinese embassy. To do what there? To disturb those who are working by you loafers who can’t even be given jobs by the same party you are praising. Wake up!
No you wake up. You can’t have power through foreign assistance. Our Vote our Right.
Looking at the comments above, it a surprise we are not colonized. Most of the commentators above have failed to analyse a simple press release. I bet the muzungu laughs his lungs out, the kkk clan rejoices just by reading these comments of fellow black Zambians insulting each other. Africans endowed with a full stomach and endless entertainment, often our/your next objective is to make sure your neighbor doesn’t have a chance to enjoy what enjoy. Keep the masses on full stomach and give them entertainment, its the only way you can brainwash them to give up their true political power. The number one enemy of Zambia is its citizens who squabble and bubble…So bam to behold. A public bulletin board built of both brilliance and barbarity by bastards with boners. This bastion no mere…
@Guy Fawkes, it’s a good thing we argue among ourselves. It’s part of our civil duty, to uphold our democratically elected gov’t and to loudly support our chose side. It’s not clear what your stand on Herr Finkes’ piece. Stop monitoring your friends’ emotions and emit some of your own…please or get therapy to get in touch with your emotions!
Stay in your America and get shot at by your white police masters… lost soul, who thinks that he/she is white Americans (not realising there has never been an America other than pure Indian AMERICA).
YES BWANA MENTALITY.
come back to Zambia
Herr Finke, where to start? By quoting your penultimate statement……..
‘The principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of States is a well-established and important part of international law. It is a corollary of every state’s right to sovereignty and territorial integrity, and it is enshrined in the Vienna Convention of Diplomatic Relations. [[In order to become unlawful the interference must be forcible or dictatorial, or otherwise coercive.]]’
Your conduct is clearly coercive. It has been noted by responses by UPND supporters that they ‘understand’ that you and your other diplomat friends are supporting their efforts to power. This has been played out openly by stating so in writing on thus blog and other more ‘important’ media and by UPND members openly…
This has been played out openly by stating so in writing on this blog and other more ‘important’ media and by UPND members openly threatening to throttle the President of Zambia. The citizens of Zambia have ‘understood’ you in a way you, unconvincingly, are protesting to NOT have done. All parties and supporters are taking your repetitive actions ( which are considered different from other Diplomats of other ‘more diplomatic’ countries), to be forcible by always underlining your financial support (now up by 50%) to Zambia. It is clear you feel Zambians MUST act the way you want because your financial support and bilateral agreements give you more right to do so in comparison to other diplomats from other countries that gave not got these agreements, and that you are now,…
It is clear you feel Zambians MUST act the way you want because your financial support and bilateral agreements give you more right to do so in comparison to other diplomats from other countries that gave not got these agreements, and that you are now, repeatively so….dictatorial. With all due respect Herr Finke, any Lawyer would argue that to continue to conduct in a manner which the other party is indicating to you is unacceptable is dictatorial.
In all the above it is now clear that your conduct does breach International Law as set in the Vienna Convention of Diplomatic Relations.
As that famous much esteemed American writer, (Samuel Langhorne Clemens), better known by his pen name Mark Twain, said, “WHEN SOME PEOPLE CARRY OUT AN OBLIGATION, YOU CAN HEAR THE OBLIGATION FROM MILES AROUND.’ Mark Twain.
Pardon my grammar, I’ll adjust my ending quotation mark …..said
“WHEN SOME PEOPLE CARRY OUT AN OBLIGATION, YOU CAN HEAR THE OBLIGATION FROM MILES AROUND.” Mark Twain.
Yes you have a political agenda Mr Diplomat as you have correctly observed, but do not engage yourself into active partisan politics because we do not want you to impose any devils rights on our beloved Opposition party leaders as well as those in Government as all these Zambian leaders are devoted Christians…
Infact Mr Diplomat the fact that you have a political agenda rather than a diplomatic one you will be treated as such by all politicians…
I would add some advice to Herr Finke,
Kindly, stop wringing your hands in mock protestations, we no longer wear grass skirts, and carry spears but we are capable of understanding your hidden actions by your repeated actions.
“WHEN SOME PEOPLE CARRY OUT AN OBLIGATION, YOU CAN HEAR THE OBLIGATION FROM MILES AROUND.’ Mark Twain.
Typical of Zambian mentality failing to understand a simple statement. PF kaponya’s like Makasa, patriot abroad, asigai etc are really dull cadres
It’s clear that you have NOT read nor understood my counter argument ( which some agree is well responded).
It’s no use your name calling and saying others have not understood, when clearly they have.
I give you the same advice as @Guy Fawkes above. Tell us where you stand on Herr Finke’s statement instead of monitoring other peoples rightful responses. It is you who has not understood Herr Finke. He is saying he monitors MY right to say what I feel in relation to my Human Rights etc. etc.
I am also giving your response in support of my response to Herr Finke’s piece as an example of the type of trouble he is causing in Zambia. People like you want to monitor other peoples right to response if they oppose you. Mocking others and holding them up as not capable of understanding is what Herr Finke is creating in Zambia. An environment of anger and self righteousness not supported in Law.
The German ambassador is being condescending and patronising. Diplomatic missions have a way of gauging what they need to report back to their governments than overt meetings such as the one they had with the opposition leader. This was a political meeting designed to achieve some political mileage on behalf of the opposition. The ambassador needs to be reminded that Zambia is a sovereign country and not for sale to the highest bidder. Wherever the west has gone in for regime change, the results have not been positive for the locals – you only have to look back and see how they propped up Sata with a mistaken view that he would curtail the Chinese influence. But the west never learns, thanks to their delusional view of superiority and misconception that they know what is best for the poor…
It’s not about the welfare of the poor but theirs. They want Leadership to carry out their agendas. Zambia is wealthy in resources their economies can use and want easy access. Look at the Oil interests in the countries they have destroyed.
Well-spoken by German Ambassador to Zambia Bernd Finke. This is a straightforward, concise and clear article. Any well-meaning functioning adult, who remembers when the Diplomats met and kept contact with ba Michael Sata whilst he was in opposition, will agree they did NOT interfere with Rupiah Banda’s MMD Govt. Even Hilary Clinton met ba Sata then. It simply reminded and compelled RB to mature and ‘play the ball, and not the player’.
This is a no brainer. As Foreign Affairs Minister Kalaba rightly put it, its a matter of routine in democratic countries.
Cont’d.. LOL, It is mature articles like this one from the German Ambassador that separate men and women from boys and girls among Zambians when it comes to comprehension and commenting.
What is the argument all about?Ba UPND,please be reminded that diplomats don’t vote.Additionally there influence on the electorates in Zambia is next to zero.Consequently,you must not be too excited about the alleged endorsement of your Leader these former colonialists.Also take some time to look at other countries in Africa where the West have been calling shots.Yes we know you want PF out but in doing so you must bear in mind that we are a sovereign state with full rights of self-determination without any form of external meddling.I beg to move.
What is the argument all about?Ba UPND,please be reminded that diplomats don’t vote.Additionally their influence on the electorates in Zambia is next to zero.Consequently,you must not be too excited about the alleged endorsement of your Leader by these former colonialists.Also take some time to look at other countries in Africa where the West have been calling shots.Yes we know you want PF out but in doing so, you must bear in mind that we are a sovereign state with full rights of self-determination without any form of external meddling.I beg to move.
From you comments, I can conclud that Zambians are very dull people, this country will remain poor for ever. As for me well get a permanent citizenship in a foreign country.
Please go in peace. If you are thinking a European country, understand Herr Finke won’t be much use as his country men do not want foreigners swamping their country.
Clearly, some phones are smarter than some users here. Most of those who are aggrieved by the statement only read the title with difficulty.
It’s written by a white man therefore unable you don’t understand.
GOVTS HAVE A GOOD APROACH BUT YOU AS INDIVIDUALS MR U START MAKING YOUR THINGS HERE.
I DONT THINK UK,USA,GERMANY GOVTS ASKED U TO BE VISITING POLITICL LEADERS IN THEIR HOMES THATS NOT OFFICIAL ITS PERSONAL LEVEL.
#DONT YOU THINK WHAT U DID CAN CAUSE DIVISIONS IN THE NATION?
*DONT U KNOW THAT CAN DAMAGE OUR WARM PIPO TO PIPO RELATIONSHIPS JUST BCOZ OF YOUR CARELESNESS
LET THIS BE A LEARNING POINT MEANWHILE I WILL WRITE STRAIGHT TO YOUR COUNTRIES AS AN AFFECTED FRIEND I GAVE TIME FOR U TO APOLOGISE BUT U STILL FEEL NOTHING WAS WRONG SHAME