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The body of President Mwanawasa arrives in country

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The body of the late President Levy Mwanawasa, who died on Tuesday at Percy Military Hospital in Paris, France has arrived in the country.

A huge French Airforce plane carrying President Mwanawasa’s body touched down at Lusaka International Airport at 08:55 hours and was escorted by three Zambia Airforce jets.

Fifteen minutes earlier, the presidential challenger plane, which was carrying relatives of the late Dr Mwanawasa, landed signifying that the French plane carrying the late President was on its way.

First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa, some family members, Foreign Affairs Minister Kabinga Pande, Gender Minister Patricia Mulasikwanda and Sports Minister Gabriel Namulambe accompanied the body of the late Dr Mwanawasa from France to Lusaka.

Immediately the plane touched down, a sombre mood gripped the airport grounds as hundreds of mourners broke into wailing.

The Baptist Church and Movement for Multi Party Democracy women choirs sang solemn songs.

Acting President Rupiah Banda, Chief Justice Ernest Sakala, Speaker of the National Assembly Amusaa Mwanamwambwaa and service chiefs were at hand to receive the body of the late Head of State.

Upon arrival, pall bearers comprising personnel from all defence forces took position near the plane in readiness to carry the late President’s casket, which was draped in the Zambian flag, to the saluting dias.

With a slow march, the pall bearers carried the casket to the saluting dias after which the national anthem was sang and the 21 gun salute performed simultaneously. The fly past was also conducted with three jets.

Immediately after the national anthem and the 21 gun salute, the Zambia Army Brass Band solemnly played Rock of Ages song.

The casket was then carried by pall bearers to the Gun carriage where it was placed in readiness to be taken to Mulungushi International Conference Centre.

Mulungushi Conference Centre is where the body of the late Dr Mwanawasa will lie-in State.

The Presidential motorcade led the way, followed by the military VIP convoy.

The convoy moved slowly on its way to Mulungushi Conference Centre as solemn Lusaka residents lined up to witness the funeral procession.

Zambian flags and posters of the late President were mounted on the road leading to the Airport.

The body will lie in State at Mulungushi Conference Centre starting today (Saturday)until Monday morning after which it will be taken to all the nine Provincial Centres of the country.

On Friday, the body will be taken back to Mulungushi to lie in State until September 1.

On Tuesday, September 2nd, the body will be taken to State House where it will lie in State in readiness for burial the following day at his Palabana farm.

The late Dr Mwanawasa died after he suffered a stroke. He fell ill on June 29th 2008 while attending the African Union Heads of State and Government Summit in Egypt.

PART 1. What exactly happened to President Mwanawasa

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It was with great sadness that the Zambian people learnt that President Mwanawasa had died
on the 19th August. It has been a great mystery and many people at this time are perplexed about what exactly happened to President Mwanawasa. Many wonder what doctors meant when they said the president was STABLE.This word was used so often to describe our late presidents condition whilst in ICU in France.

Out of this tragedy it is prudent that something good comes out of it.Perhaps future presidents should have better medical advisors? However, if a president can die from a stroke, where does that leave the ordinary citizen? Should we be scared when doctors start describing us as stable when we do fall sick? Lets answer a few questions that will give us an understanding as to what happened to our president in France and how we can prevent that happening to us.

Q1. What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when there is a problem with the blood supply to a part of the brain. The area of the brain that does not get enough blood becomes damaged.

A stroke can happen when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain. A stroke also can happen when the wall of an artery bursts.
Depending on which part of the brain has poor blood supply, a stroke can be mild to severe. It appears our President had a severe stroke.

Q2. What were the likely triggers to President Mwanawasas stroke in Egypt?

– Should the President have been allowed to fly? The oxygen pressure during a flight is lower than that at sea level, so there is a theoretical risk that someone who has recently had a stroke might be harmed by flying. This is because there is a risk of developing deep vein thrombosis ( blood clots). However there is no absolute medical ban on flying for people who have had strokes before. It is however said prior to his death, the President did do quite a bit of traveling. Perhaps that was not a good idea in hind sight. His long flight to Egypyt may have been the last straw.

-Another risk factor for stroke is stress. This may have played a role in the Presidents demise.

-We do know that the President had at least one prior stroke. When a person has one stroke the chances of having a second stroke are increased. The subsequent stroke may leave one with a lot more disability. For example, if you have right-sided stroke and then go on to have a stroke on the other side of the brain, you may have both your right and left side impaired.There are ways however to reduce the risk of recurrence of the stroke.

Q2. How can one avoid having a stroke?

The most important stroke prevention strategies are:

Control High Blood Pressure.
Eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise to reduce blood pressure. Drugs are also available.

Don’t Smoke
Not smoking reduces your risk of stroke.

Manage Heart Disease (heart disease can cause blood clots that find their way to the brain)
Doctors can treat heart disease and may prescribe medication to help prevent the formation of clots. People over 50 should consult their doctors about aspirin therapy.

Control Diabetes
Both diabetes and high blood pressure can be managed with diet, exercise, weight control and medication. Strict control of blood sugar levels may reduce damage to the brain if a stroke occurs.

Manage Cholesterol
Everyone should know his or her cholesterol level. Even though high cholesterol may be a more important risk factor for heart attack, it also is a stroke risk factor that should be treated.

Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight contributes to other risk factors for stroke such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular(heart) disease and diabetes. Losing as little as 5kg may lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

Exercise Regularly
Aerobic exercise reduces your risk of stroke by lowering blood pressure, increasing the level of HDL cholesterol(good cholesterol), and improving the overall health of blood vessels and heart. It also helps with weight reduction and diabetes control, and can reduce stress.

Manage Stress
Stress can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure – a risk factor for brain hemorrhage – or long-lasting hypertension. It can also increase the blood’s tendency to clot, which may elevate the risk of stroke. Exercising and using relaxation techniques are good approaches to stress reduction.

By medical correspondent

Chitala backs Teta’s choice of RB for president

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Zambia’s Former Ambassador to Libya Mbita Chitala has supported Party Spokesperson Benny Tetamashimba’s suggestion that Acting President Rupiah Banda be MMD’s presidential candidate for the scheduled November Presidential by- election.

Mr. Mbita said it will not only be suicidal if the ruling party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) does not adopt Mr. Banda.

He said the Mr. Banda who is a symbol of stability and unity in the party, is suitably qualified to carry on from where Dr Mwanawasa left.

He told ZANIS in a statement today that the acting president has served as vice present diligently under President Levy Mwanawasa.

Ambassador Chitala said the suggestion by former Commerce Minister Dipak Patel was in bad faith and a disastrous route for the party.

“I know that all our party organs in all the nine provinces will endorse the nominations of the vice president for the position of party president as swell as presidential candidate for the forthcoming elections, ” he said.

Mr. Chitala said Mr. Banda will be the best replacement late Dr. Mwanawasa.

The former Ambassador was reacting to Former Commerce minister Dipak Patel’s statement in the media where he ruled out the possible candidature of the acting President.

ZANIS/MK/ENDS/MM

Access to the airport will be restricted – Dr. Kanganja

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Late President Levy Mwanawasa’s body is scheduled to arrive in Lusaka from Paris, France tomorrow at 09:00 hours.

Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja confirmed to ZANIS in statement this afternoon.

Government has however, indicated that only a limited number of people would be allowed access to the international Airport to ensure an orderly and dignified programme.

The rest of the mourners wishing to go the the airport, have been advised to line up along the road from the international airport to Mulungushi International Conference centre where the body would be taken to lie -in-state.

Government advised that the Acting President, Rupiah Banda, Chief Justice Enerst Sakala and Speaker of the National Assembly, Amusaa Mwanamwambwa would be allowed entry to the airport.

Others are the two former Presidents Dr Kennth Kaunda and Fredrick Chiluba, Fomer Vice Presidents and Cabinet ministers and deputies.

Government would also allow leaders of opposition political parties, MMD National Executive Committee members, representatives of the church mother bodies and members of the diplomatic corps to be part of the receiving party.

Close family members, the mayor of Lusaka, Members of Parliament, Permanent Secretaries, Lusaka province chiefs, Bank of Zambia Governor and two choir groups from the MMD would also have access to the airport.

Presidents of ZCTU, FFTUZ and directors of EFZ ZEC and FAZ chairman and his deputy as well as late President Mwanawasa’s pastor, Pastor Chanda of the Baptist Church would also be at the airport.

ZANIS/ENDS/SJK /AM

FAZ Wait for GRZ Word on Togo Game

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Faz has yet to get word from Government over whether Zambia’s 2010
World/Africa Cup Group 11 qualifying match against Togo scheduled for
September 6 in Chililabombwe will go ahead due to the 21-day national
mourning for late president Levy Mwanawasa.

Football House has disclosed that they are still awaiting word from
cabinet office as to whether the match can take place on that date at
Konkola Stadium.

The game will come three days after Mwanawasa’s burial and two days
before the 21 days of national mourning comes to an end.
Should the match not be played, it will mean Zambia can favorably only
host Togo in the October when the next Fifa match dates will be during
the dates of 11th and 15th -something Faz is trying to avoid without
being disrespectful with fixture congestion in mind.

Togo during that October match date period have a scheduled Group 11
home game against current Group 11 leaders Swaziland in both teams
last pool game.

Faz says it is hoping a decision will be made on Saturday, August
23 on the date Mwanawasa’s body is expected to return to Lusaka from
Paris where he died after a stroke left him in a coma for over one
month.

HH to Contest the Presidential by-election-UPND

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The United Party for National Development (UPND)has announced its intention to participate in the presidential by-election and has floated Mr. Hakainde Hichilema as the presidential candidate.

UPND Spokesperson, Charles Kakoma said this in a press statement availed to ZANIS in Lusaka today. This follows the assurance issued by Justice Minister, George Kunda that there would be a presidential by-election within 90 days after the demise of President Levy Mwanawasa who died on Tuesday, 19th August, 2008 at Percy Military Hospital in Paris, after suffering a stroke in Egypt.

Mr. Kakoma called upon all UPND members, civil society organizations and all citizens to rally behind the party’s candidate, who he said offered a new ray of hope for real change.

He described Mr. Hakainde as an economic manager capable of bettering the lives of Zambians and called on all well-meaning Zambians to remain calm, peaceful, dignified and respectful during the period of mourning the late President Mwanawasa.

ENDS/PK/ZANIS

Elections to be held after 90 days

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Government has assured that presidential elections will be held within 90 days in compliance with constitutional and legal provisions following the death of President Mwanawasa.

Justice Minister George Kunda said at a Press briefing in Lusaka yesterday to explain the available Constitutional and legal provisions following the death of President Mwanawasa that all provisions would be strictly adhered to.

He said the date for the election would be announced in accordance with the constitution and the Electoral Act after consultations between the Ministry of Finance and the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

“This is a Government of laws which believes in constitutionalism and will follow all legal and constitutional provisions to ensure that elections are held within 90 days,” he said.

On the availability of resources for the elections, he said that the country had no choice because constitutionally, the presidential election was inevitable and that Government believed in constitutionalism.

He, however, said that according to the Constitution, any person who would be elected under these circumstances would only finish President Mwanawasa’s term and thereafter become eligible for a single five-year term according to Article 35 (2).

“Such a person could potentially only hold office for a maximum period of eight years. Such person will have twice been elected and will not be eligible to seek a further term,” he said.

He said that after the death of President Mwanawasa on August 19, Vice-President Rupiah Banda took over as acting president but was not required to take the presidential oath because there was no legal requirement.

“He will merely act as president in the interim period before the assumption of office by the new president to be elected. Neither the Constitution nor the Official Oaths Act provides for the oath of office for an acting president,” he said.

The vice-president already subscribed to an oath of office as vice-president and merely became acting president by virtue of being the substantive vice-president hence he was not assuming the office of the president to require an oath.

Mr Kunda said that although an acting president had power to perform all the functions of the president, he could not dissolve the National Assembly or revoke any appointment without Cabinet advice.

He said there would not be any general elections because parliament was not dissolved and the new president to be elected would only fill the presidential vacancy.

Asked what would happen if an opposition leader was elected as president, he said that Zambians had experience on Government operations and knew that it was better to have a president who was supported by members of Parliament.

[ZNBC]

Zambia U.S mission opens book

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A book of condolences for President Mwanawasa who died in a French hospital after suffering a stroke was opened - Wednesday at the Zambian Embassy in Washington DC.

Among the first to sign the book of condolences were Ambassadors from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Angola, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and Sierra Leone.

Messages of condolences have also been received from the United States President George W. Bush.

Reverend Jesse Jackson, The United Nations Secretary -General Ban Ki-Moon, Africare, Friends of Zambia and many others also expressed their grievances.

Meanwhile, e-mails paying tribute to President Levy Mwanawasa have been received in Washington DC from Zambians based in the diaspora.

The messages began appearing yesterday as the news of the death of the President was received.

All expressed sorrow at the death of President Mwanawasa.

This is according to First Secretary - Press and Public Relations in the United States - Ben Kangwa

[ZNBC]

The responsibility of ECZ is massive ahead of polls – RB

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Vice President Rupiah Banda says the office of the Electoral Commission of Zambia-ECZ has a massive responsibility to conduct free and fair elections as per demand by the people of Zambia.

Mr. Banda, who is Acting President, said the people of Zambia cherish their freedom and would want to have free and fair elections.

He said this in Lusaka today when he swore in ECZ Chairperson Florence Mumba and Supreme Court Judge Marvin Sitwala Mwanamwambwa at government house.

Mr. Banda said as the country goes to the polls to choose a republican President in 30 days time, the responsibility of ECZ is huge.

“Soon we shall be going to elections and we are looking forward to your leadership. Our Late President knew what he was doing when he chose you,” said Mr. Banda.

The Vice President said Justice Mumba is well known in the judicial system where she has served for a long time at home and abroad.

And Mr. Banda said Justice Mwanamwambwa is a valuable addition to the judicial bench.

The Vice President who congratulated Justice Mwanamwambwa for his appointment said he attached great importance to the appointment of Justice Mwanamwambwa and encouraged him to work hard as he has done before.

“You too are well known in the judicial system. Your elevation is a clear demonstration of confidence that the Judiciary and the Late President has in you,” said Mr. Banda.

And speaking in an interview with Journalists, Justice Mumba said the task of ECZ Chairperson is a mammoth one.

She however said she was confident that the people of Zambia will be with her and give her the support to discharge her duties.

She thanked God for the appointment.

Justice Mumba takes over from Justice Ireen Mambilima.

ENDS/CBM/AM/ZANIS

Levy’s body arrives on Saturday, not Sunday – Kanganja

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Secretary to the Cabinet, Joshua Kanganja has announced that the body of the late President Levy Mwanawasa will arrive in Zambia from France on Saturday and not Sunday as earlier announced.

Dr. Kanganja disclosed this in a statement to ZANIS this evening.

He said the Zambian mission in France changed the programme saying the aircraft bringing the body of the late Dr. Mwanawasa would leave France tomorrow, August 22nd 2008 and arrive in Zambia on Saturday.

On the funeral arrangements, Dr. Kanganja said books of condolences would be opened in Lusaka tomorrow while the rest of the country, the books would be opened on Monday, August 25th, 2008.

He said the books that would open on Monday would be in provincial headquarters and districts.

“In Lusaka, the books of condolences will be opened at State House and Mulungushi International Conference Centre respectively starting from 10:00 hours to 17:00 hours every day,” he said.

He said the mourners that would sign the book at State House are foreign Heads of State and Government or their representatives, former Zambian heads of state, former foreign heads of state and governments or their representatives.

Dr. Kanganja said others that would sign the books of condolences at State House are the chief justice, speaker of the National Assembly, Zambian cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, leaders of political parties, Secretary to the Cabinet, senior government officials and service chiefs.

The rest will be Members of Parliament, heads of diplomatic, consular and international organizations accredited to Zambia, the judiciary, the Mayor of Lusaka, church leaders, chiefs, former senior government officials, national executive committee members of political parties, chairpersons of commissions and senior citizens.

“Other mourners not specifies above who wish to sign the books of condolences will do so at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre,” he said.

ZANIS/KSH/ENDS.

Togo lose to DR Congo in warm-up

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Zambia’s World Cup Group 11 opponents Togo on Wednesday lost 2-1 to DR Congo in a friendly international played in Dreux, France.

The two sides were scoreless going into the break before Togo took the lead two minutes after the break through striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

DR Congo leveled two minutes later through their Bundesliga-based midfielder Cedric Makiadi.

Striker Lomana Lualua of Al-Arabi in Qatar scored DR Congo’s winner in the 68th minute to hand the two-time African champions the win in this warm-up match.

Togo are scheduled to face Zambia away at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe on September 6 in a Group 11 qualifier.

Zambia are currently 2nd in Group 11 on 4 points from 3 games level with leaders Swaziland from the same number of games while Togo are 3rd on 3 points after 2 games played.

Meanwhile, Swaziland lost 3-0 away on the same date to Mozambique in another international friendly match.

Levy’s body to be taken to all provincial capitals before burial.

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Cabinet has extended the period of mourning for the late President of Zambia, Levy Mwanawasa from the initial seven days to 21 days.

This is to facilitate a smooth transportation of the body from Paris to Lusaka, Zambia and the taking of the body to all provincial headquarters to nine provinces before burial takes place.

Vice President, Rupiah Banda announced the funeral arrangements this evening in a statement posted on the State House website.

Mr. Banda said the decision was arrived at after a Special Cabinet meeting held at Government House in Lusaka today.

He said the burial has been slated for September 3rd, 2008, which would have been the late Dr. Mwanawasa’s 60th birthday.

“I wish to advise the nation that upon the body’s arrival at Lusaka International Airport, there will be a Guard of Honour and a Presidential Salute. The body will thereafter be transported to Mulungushi International Conference Centre where it will lie-in-state,” he said.

Mr. Banda further announced that between Monday, August 25th and Friday, August 29th 2008, the body will be taken to provincial capitals.

He said the body would be brought back to Lusaka on August 29th from which date it will lie-in-state and MICC until 2nd September, 2008 when it would be taken to lie-in-state at State House until burial ceremony on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008.

“Close relatives, of the first family will gather at the residence in State House. Members of the public will gather at the Lusaka Show Grounds during the period of mourning,” he said.

Mr. Banda said those wishing to pay their last respects to the late President would do so at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre and in the provinces.

Dr. Mwanawasa died at Percy Military Hospital in Paris France, 15 days before he could turn 60 years of age.

He fell ill on June 29, this year while attending an African Union (AU) heads of state and government summit in Egypt.

The late President was elected as Zambia’s third republican President in December 2001 under the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) ticket and re-elected in 2006 for the second five year term of office.

He leaves behind a wife, Maureen and six children.

ZANIS/KSH/ENDS.

Govt to Finance Funeral and Elections from 2008 Budget

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Government has disclosed that resources to cover the national funeral expenses of President Mwanawasa and financing to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to conduct the Presidential By-elections will be provided within the 2008 national budget.

Secretary to Treasury Evans Chibiliti who announced the development at a Press briefing in Lusaka today said financing of President Mwanawasa’s funeral expenses and the Presidential By-elections will be provided by constraining non-priority expenditures in the 2008 national budget without resorting to borrowing.

Mr. Chibiliti has since appealed to the donor community to assist the Zambian government during the transition period.

Mr. Chibiliti has also assured the nation of fiscal discipline and prudent management of public resources.

He said that government has devised an effective mechanism that will ensure that there are no slippages in the economic management of the country’s during the transition time.

Mr. Chibiliti said government shall ensure that economic programmes that are currently being implemented are maintained to ensure stability in the macro-economic fundamentals and the achievement of economic targets set out at the beginning of the year.

He further said that government will ensure that the implementation of the 2008 national budget remains on track in a bid to enhance development in the country.

Mr. Chibiliti has however cautioned government controlling officers against the misuse and misapplying of public resources during the transition period.

Mr. Chibiliti said government is aware of the opportunistic behavior that may arise from public servants and members of the public that may take an opportunity to abuse authority and misappropriate public resources.

He said government will not take kindly on officers that will be found wanting adding that government will ensure that the Law take its course on any person found wanting.

Mr. Chibiliti said he has commenced meetings with Controlling officers, Heads of Key Government Institutions and Parastatals to sensitize them on the set control measures regarding the prudent management of public resources.

He said that the Treasury will remain alert and monitor and track the movement of funds in the Central bank and Commercial Banks.

ZANIS/TK/AM/ENDS

Hundreds throng the Show grounds for national prayer services

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Hundreds of Zambians this afternoon gathered at Lusaka’s Show Grounds for the launch of the national prayer services to mourn President Mwanawasa.

The mood in the main arena where the prayers are being held was generally solemn with most people wearing sad faces as solemn songs were sang by various choirs from different churches.

The prayers that have been organized by the three major church bodies in the country will go on throughout the national mourning period.

Giving President Mwanawasa’s testimony as a member of the Baptist Church, Twinpalm Baptist Church Deacon Kenneth Mwanza said Dr. Mwanawasa was a committed member of the church.

Deacon Mwanza said Dr. Mwanawasa joined the Baptist Church in 2002 after which he opened up his House to discipleship lessons before baptism.

He explained that President Mwanawasa was baptized on 27th February, 2005 and continued to be a dedicated member of the church.

Deacon Mwanza noted that Bible Study sessions were regularly held on Tuesdays at Statehouse whenever President Mwanawasa’s national duties allowed.

He said the Church will greatly miss Dr. Mwanawasa both as a church member and Republican President.

And Council of Churches in Zambia Chairperson Suzanne Matale said in an interview that President Mwanawasa will be greatly missed for fighting corruption without fear or favor.

Reverend Matale said President Mwanawasa provided good leadership for Zambia and the region and stood for democracy as evidenced by his stance on the recent election crisis in Zimbabwe.

She added that Dr. Mwanawasa was a gallant son of Africa who led Zambia well.

Notable in attendance during the prayers were Deputy Ministers for Education Clement Sinyinda, Mundia Ndalamei from the Works and Supply and Richard Taima of the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Child Development.

Others were Science and Technology Deputy Minister Lucy Changwe and Health Deputy Minister Lwipa Puma.

ZANIS/BK/AM/ENDS

LT is currently experiencing techinical difficulties

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We are experiencing technical difficulties. The site will be restored as soon as possible.We sincerely apologize for the inconveniences caused.
PS. Our geek (technical guy) is tied up, we expect him within the next 2hrs(4.30pm GMT) do bear with us.

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