Copperbelt Minister Mwansa Mbulakulima has warned father Miha of the Catholic Church to stop issuing statements against Republican President Levy Mwanawasa and his government.

Mr Mbulakulima issued the warning on Monday afternoon during a press briefing in his office.

He said statements attributed to Father Miha in the media were in bad taste and wondered whether the catholic clergy was misquoted.

” It is important for father Hiha at his age to give a mature and responsible example in issuing statement that were sensible and in the interests of Zambians, ” he said.

However when contacted for a comment Father Miha said he could not react to the minister’s press briefing because he had not read the newspaper article about his concerns.

He said he did not know whether what was attributed to him was what he said or not until he looked at the article.

Father Miha however admitted that he had said the Copperbelt province had been neglected since the first Republican Kenneth Kaunda’s era.

He said that most people on the Copperbelt did not know where the money from the copper mines in the province was going.

However, Mr Mbulakulima said it was also important for the Catholic Church to state its position on Father Miha’s statements.

He wondered whether the Catholic Church could take such a stance against government’s developmental programmes.

The provincial minister said it was common knowledge that the Copperbelt was a huge foreign and local investment destination because of the good and progressive policies of the current government.

He challenged Father Miha to scout for space in the industrial area which was idle becuase most of it has been taken up for various investment activities.

” Father Miha should take time to visit Chingola, Chililabombwe and Kasumbalesa to see for himself the rehabilitated road infrastructure by President Mwanawasa’s administration has put in place as a support measure towards the easy movement of both human and cargo traffic,” said the minister.

He added that the church was the country’s cornerstone because when politicians differed, they found the church as a unifying agent and mediator.

He added that when politicians’ emotions were high, the church was a good forum to cool their emotions and reconcile whose role government appreciated.

He said the Church should not lose its good position in the country by casting doubtful statements from a section of the clergy like father Miha.

He said if the clergy in question was about to retire, he should leave Zambia peacefully.

He said Father Miha would not be welcome if he leaves the country in confusion.

ZANIS/CN/Ends/MM

The Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) has resolved to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to iron-out all pertinent issues that have recently rocked the party.

MMD National Chairman Michael Mabenga says the party will soon hold a NEC meeting to deal with the anxiety and speculations that have arisen following President Mwanawasa’s illness.

Mr. Mabenga told ZANIS in an interview that the party has decided to hold a NEC meeting to allow members speak out on any issue of concern behind closed doors and away from the press.

He said the party feels that it is prudent to openly discuss the issues that have threatened to divide that party among party members and behind closed doors.

Mr. Mabenga said it is hoped the meeting would help dismiss unwarranted speculation and consolidate the party leadership.

The move has come in the wake of mounting calls from a cross-section of the society that the MMD should convene a NEC meeting to iron-out all contentious issues surrounding the party leadership.

And Vice President, Rupiah Banda, has urged the ruling MMD cadres to stop bickering but remain focused on President Mwanawasa’s recovery.

Mr Banda said people should be preoccupied with hard work and prayers for Dr Mwanawasa’s full recovery to help sustain achieved positive economic indicators.

He was speaking on arrival at Livingastone International Airport this morning when he addressed government officials, members of the Local Government Assopciation of Zambia (LGAZ) and MMD cadres.

He warned that political bickering should be discouraged due to its potential to erode achieved positive economic gains.

The Vice President cautioned the ruling party cadres to desist from using the media to air opinions that are likely to distabilise the party and the nation in general.

“Our concern should be preoccupation to pray for his (Dr Mwanawasa’s) full recovery so that he can come back and find the MMD and the country united,” Mr Banda said.

He advised the MMD cadres and leaders in particular, not rush to the press to express their views but be responsible to look after the party until President Mwanawasa returns home.

The vice president was reacting to Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe, who expressed disappointment at the perceived bickering within the MMD.

Mr Munkombwe, in his welcome message to the vice president, regretted that some MMD cadres were using the media to issue statements that were creating tension ever since President Mwanawasa has been out of the country.

President Mwanawasa is currently admitted to Percy Military hospital in Paris, France, where he is admitted and receiving treatment after falling ill some fortnight ago.

Mr Munkombwe advised the cadres to seek advise from experienced politicians before issuing statements in media.

ZANIS/ENDS/SJK/MM

The South African government has given displaced victims of xenophobic violence, including over 40 Zambians, up to the close of today, July 21, 2008, to register for the six-month temporary resident permits or face immediate deportation to their countries of origin.

Second Secretary for Press at the Zambian High Commission in Pretoria South Africa Philip Chirwa confirmed the development in a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today.

Mr. Chirwa said this came to light at the weekend when officials from the Zambia High Commission in Pretoria visited the Rifle Range Site Camp south of Johannesburg to check on Zambian nationals camped at the site.

He said about a dozen Zambians found at the camp told the High Commission officials that they were initially reluctant to register for the temporary resident permits because they suspected that the South African government was trying to trick them into finding a way of deporting them.

Mr. Chirwa said after the officials explained the situation to the victims, including the consequences of not abiding by the laws of South Africa, they agreed to register for the permits and promised to urge their colleagues, who were not present at the time to do the same.

In a circular addressed to all the residents of the Rifle Range Site Camp, the South African government makes it clear that the ongoing registration exercise is compulsory for all the residents at the site regardless of status.

The purpose of the registration is to facilitate assistance and ensure access to the camp. The registration exercise would also provide legal protection on the holders of such permits. Failure to register would result in termination of assistance and protection by government, and ultimately may lead to deportation.

Presidential Affairs Minister Cecil Holmes says President Levy Mwanawasa is recovering well in Paris, France.

Mr Holmes who has just returned from France however expressed disappointment at some people who were spreading false rumours about the President.

According to the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC)Television news monitored in Lusaka this evening, Mr Holmes urged Zambians to unite in prayers for President Mwanawasa’s quick recovery.

Mr Holmes who was speaking at a church service held at Lusaka’s Chawama Revival Church also commended the opposition for being part of the service.

Some members of the first family were also present at the church service.

Meanwhile, Victory Bible Church Bishop for Northern Province Fred Tobolo has urged Zambians not to be discouraged but continue praying for President Levy Mwanawasa’s speedy recovery.

And acting Northern Province Permanent Secretary Gabriel Kaunda has commended Zambians for the unity they have exhibited in praying for Dr. Mwanawasa’s healing.

Speaking during an inter-denomination prayer service for the quick recovery of Dr. Mwanawasa held at St. John’s Cathedral in Kasama today (Sunday), Bishop Tobolo said people should not be discouraged by thinking that their petitioning of God to heal the President was in vain.

Bishop Tobolo who quoted extensively from the Bible said people should be encouraged by the fact that they believed in a God who answered prayer.

He said by continuing to pray for President Mwanawasa’s healing, all what they were doing was to ask God to act according to His word.

And Bread of Life International Pastor Ponela petitioned God to give insight, revelation and inspiration to the medical doctors attending to Dr. Mwanawasa.

And Roman Catholic Priest Fr. Ives Bantungwa said the interdenominational prayer service, which had attracted scores of Kasama residents from all walks of Life, was a demonstration of the faith people had in God to heal the President.

And Acting Northern Province Permanent Secretary Gabriel Kaunda commended Zambians for standing together in prayer for the recovery of the President.

Mr. Kaunda observed that what was happening in Zambia at this time was a testimony of the oneness which exists in the country adding that this could not happen in many African countries.

He said it was this spirit of oneness which has made Zambia the envy of most African Countries and urged Zambians to continue upholding the same spirit.

Mr. Kaunda who commended various Churches which had gathered said it was important to continue praying for President Mwanawasa’s recovery because the country had just started ripping the benefits of his good administration as evidenced by the positive signs in the economy.

He noted that everyone with eyes could attest to the fact that Zambia was making tremendous economic progress under the able leadership of Dr. Mwanawasa.

The interdenominational service which was also attended by Service Chiefs was organised by the MMD and lasted for over two hours.

President Mwanawasa is currently admitted to Percy Military Hospital in Paris, France after suffering a stroke while attending the African Union (AU) Summit in Egypt.

ZANIS/ENDS/HM/CLM

Opposition Federal Democratic Party (FEDEPA)has described as immoral and hypocritical for people who have never appreciated President Levy Mwanawasa to suddenly appear on the scene showing concern about his health.

Without mention the people being referred to, Party President Alfred Sayila said this in a Press Statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today.

Reverend Sayila also alleged that some prayers being conducted in the country may not be coming from people with clean hearts and who wish to see Dr. Mwanawasa healed and resuming his national duties.

He called on all people gaining popularity over President Mwanawasa’s illness to desist from making comments or forming personal opinions meant to distress the situation.

Reverend Sayila said citizens should understand that the republican constitution takes care of the succession issue adding that all leaders thinking of replacing President Mwanawasa were liars and glory seekers.

President Mwanawasa is hospitalised in Percy Military Hospital in Paris, France.

ZANIS/ENDS/BK/CLM

United Church of Zambia (UCZ)Copperbelt Presbytery Bishop Committee Njase says the divisions being experienced by the ruling Movement for Multi Party Democracy (MMD)over President Levy Mwanawasa’s illness is an embarrassment to the Party and the Country as a whole.

Bishop Njase said there was urgent need for the MMD senior NEC members to stop the succession wrangles and get united in the spirit of love and continue praying for the President’s speedy recovery.

He said it was unfortunate that some NEC members Like Local Government and Housing Deputy Minister Benny Tetamashimba were being judgemental on the illness of the President instead of praying ceaselessly for his quick recovery.

Bishop Njase said this at Kitwe’s Buchi hall today during the MMD Copperbelt Provincial Prayer Meeting held to pray for President Levy Mwanawasa who is currently admitted to Percy Military Hospital in Paris,France.

He said the MMD NEC members must be the first ones to express deep sorrow over the President’s fate and request Zambians to pray ceaselessly for his quick recovery to enable him continue with his programmes of developing the nation instead of fighting over succession.

He noted that the many utterances that were being made over the President’s illness were unfortunate and called on all stakeholders to unite and pray for the President.

Speaking earlier, at the same function Copperbelt Provincial Minister Mwansa Mbulakulima called on party cadres not to be used as tools of political hooliganism at such a critical moment in the nation’s history.

Mr Mbulakulima said this was not time for the MMD to start fighting but time to provide good leadership and not mislead the nation.

He expressed happiness that the Copperbelt had remained united and continued to pray for the President’s quick recovery in Unity Love and peace.

He urged the party to remain focused adding that it would not do them good to start fighting especially that President Mwanawasa had created a legacy of good leadership and enjoying a lot of donor and investor confidence world wide.

The prayer session was attended by several party cadres from the Copperbelt, District Commissioners and Christians from all walks of life.

ZANIS/ENDS/LKC/CLM

Opposition Patriotic Front Leader Michael Sata has defended his request for Cabinet to establish a medical board that would be allowed to fly to Paris, France where President Levy Mwanawasa is hospitalised to monitor progress on his health.

Mr Sata maintained that his call was in good faith as it would dispel speculations about the President’s health.

The PF leader’s request has come under fire with some quarters of society describing it as insensitive.

Speaking during a Media briefing in Lusaka today,Mr Sata also said Zambia needs to unite now as opposed to bickering during this tough period when the Head of State was hospitalised in France.

Mr. Sata was reacting to United Party for National Development(UPND)President Hakainde Hichilema’s criticism over his request to Cabinet.

The PF Leader categorically slammed Mr Hichilema for allegedly spreading false rumours about the health of President Mwanawasa and Mr. Sata himself.

Mr Sata observed that what was at stake now was the nation and not an individual party adding that Mr. Hichilema should stop cheap politicking and instead address himself to national issues.

Mr. Sata who claimed that he was more close to the President than Mr. Hichilema said the UPND leader was creating unnecessary tension in the country.

Mr. Sata pledged his party’s commitment to helping Cabinet manage the affairs of the country in the absence of President Mwanawasa saying there was no need for squabbles.

And speaking earlier, PF Information and Publicity Chairman, Given Lubinda hailed Cabinet and Government for the sober manner in which they have handled the illness of the President.

However, Mr. Lubinda appealed to Cabinet to speedily do whatever was within their means to ensure that they curtailed the speculations surrounding the health of the President.

Like the PF leader, Mr. Lubinda is also for the idea of the establishment of a medical board to investigate the health of the President saying the process was not dependent on a politician or individual but Cabinet based on collective resolution as per Article 36(1) of the Constitution of Zambia.

ZANIS/ENDS/CBM/CLM

Secretary to Cabinet Joshua Kanganja has warned permanent secretaries and other senior government officers against resisting to release relevant and important information to stakeholders on the country’s governance.

Dr Kanganja said he has received reports from various stakeholders on the failure by senior government officers to respond to stakeholders when they are in need of information on the country’s economic, social, corporate, political, and democratic development.

Dr Kanganja charged that government officers must ensure that relevant and adequate information is provided to stakeholders who have genuine reasons to have access to the various types of information.

He said this in Lusaka today when he officiated at a seminar for senior government officials on the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).

Dr Kanganja explained that the challenges that Zambia as a country faces in realizing good governance should be brought to the fore so as to enable all stakeholders in society to propose remedies to addressing the challenges.

“I do not want to receive any more reports that a permanent secretary or any other senior government official does not want to release information to genuine stakeholders”

“Those offices you are occupying public offices, hence you must be accountable and attend to stakeholders when they are in need of information,” Dr Kanganja.

Dr Kanganja said government officials should not view the APRM as a blame apportioning exercise but rather as a genuine opportunity to show case Zambia’s determined efforts to release and actualize good governance principles.

“WE should equally ensure our co-operation with the APRM secretariat by providing all the information which is critical in producing the country’s self assessment report,” Dr Kanganje said.

Dr Kanganja said the Zambian government’s contribution to the APRM process should continue to demonstrate the good efforts being sewn to enhance good governance in the country.

He explained that the APRM process to which the Zambian government has committed itself is meant to assist African countries and its leadership in developing credible and satisfactory governance systems.

Dr Kanganje added that countries accredited to the APRM process are accountable for the governance situation in their respective countries through a self country assessment report and the peer review of the president.

ZANIS/YK/AM/ENDS.