
President Rupiah Banda says that the forthcoming National INDABA scheduled for 4-5th April is not political but intended at deliberating and solving the economic problems facing the country as a result of the global economic recession.
In an interview with ZANIS at Matsapha airport in Swaziland shortly before his departure back to Lusaka, Mr. Banda pointed out that it is sad that some political parties have misinterpreted the planned INDABA.
“It is an economic INDABA intended to enable Zambians talk about their country and to find ways overcoming the effects of the global financial crisis,” explained Mr. Banda.
Government has in the 2009 national budget provided a number of incentives aimed at cushioning the impact of the global economic melt down on the country’s economy.
President Banda was in Swaziland to attend a one day Southern Africa Development Community-SADC Extraordinary summit aimed at discussing and charting the way forward on the economic recovery plan for Zimbabwe and to also resolve the current political unrest in Madagascar.
And Mr. Banda has described the one day extraordinary summit which came to a close last night as a success.
He further commended King Mswati III and his government for organizing the summit saying countries in the region are committed to solve problems affecting member states.
Mr. Banda who outlined some of the key issues which were resolved in the summit on the economic recovery plan for Zimbabwe and the political insecurity in Madagascar said the Heads of States and governments in the region are happy with progress made on the implementation of the unity government.
He however said SADC heads of states have agreed to work our measures of resuscitating the economy of Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, President Banda has expressed concern that men and women in uniform are behind the violation of the constitution in Madagascar.
He said what happened in Madagascar was unconstitutional saying the ousting of a legitimately recognized government of President Marc Ravalomanana and ushering into office of a President Andre Rajeolina is another serious violation of the constitution for Madagascar.
“Indeed the constitution has been violated in Madagascar and we have seen men and women in uniform putting the law in their own hands by bringing in a person who is not of constitutional age among other acts,” he said.
Mr. Banda pointed out that all SADC countries are constitutional and SADC Heads of State have since condemned what happened in that country.
Mr. BANDA was among eight Heads of States and government who attended the one day Extraordinary summit which was chaired by His Majesty King Mswati III who is also Chairperson of the organ on Politics, Defense and Security.
President Banda has since arrived back home. He was received by a number of cabinet ministers, government heads and the ruling MMD cadres at the international airport. Defence chiefs were also on hand to welcome the President back home.
Among the notable were Vice President Anthony Kunda, Information and Broadcasting minister Lt. General Ronnie Shikapwasha, MMD National Secretary Katele Kalumba and other senior government figures
ZANIS/CBM/ENDS/MM