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Govt Bans Smoking in Public Places

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Local Government and Housing Minister Sylvia Masebo says the law has since been put in place to put a stop to smoking in public places.

Briefing the press in Lusaka today, Ms. Masebo explained that government was compelled to issue the local government aforesaid statutory instrument number 39 of 2008 following the continued smoking in public places by persons that have no regard for the comfort of others.

She said the prohibition of smoking in public places had to be given special attention due to its hazardous nature to non smokers, who are forced to be passive smokers.

Ms Masebo said the make Zambia clean and health programme must start with personal hygiene of individuals including stopping from smoking in public places.

She said any person found contravening the regulation will be liable, upon conviction, to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.

Ms Masebo has since urged members of the public to abide by the law and enforce it by reporting any person to the police who will be found smoking in public.

She has further implored councils and business houses country wide to designate and stick posters were people are or not allowed to smoke.

Meanwhile, government has increased the subsidies for chiefs by 15 percent for the 286 traditional leaders in the country.

Local Government and Housing Minister, Silvia Masebo said the subsidies have been increased effective 1st January, 2008.

She said the increment was effected following numerous requests from the traditional leaders adding that the 15 percent increment will help them pay back the car loans which government recently bought for them.

“Let me take this opportunity to inform the Royal Highnesses that government has heard their request and appeal to his Excellency the President regarding their subsidies. In this regard, the government has increased their subsidies by 15 percent with effect from 1st January, 2008,” Ms Masebo said.

Fulfill Promises, Levy Tells G 8 Countries

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President Levy Mwanawasa has called on the G 8 countries to live up to their promises and scale up Aid to Africa.

President Mwanawasa said one of the African development issues that needs to be presented at the forth coming G 8 summit in Japan is the need for the G8 to fulfill their promise of scaling up aid to Africa.

Dr Mwanawasa was speaking in Yokohama today during the official opening of the fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development {TICAD 1V).

Speaking during a plenary presentation, Dr Mwanawasa also emphasized on the need for infrastructure development in Africa.

He said although there was a lot of trade potential in Africa, there was no function communication link between nations.

“There is a lot of trade potential between Zambia and her neighbor, Angola, but there is no functioning communication link between the two countries, hence the need for this development,” said Dr Mwanawasa.

Dr Mwanawasa pointed out that infrastructure constraints such as energy and logistics were holding the nation back and may continue to do so if measures are not taken.

Dr Mwanawasa further called on the private sector from the rich world to change their perceptions about the business risks in Africa.

He said the G8 should not see investments into Africa as a threat to them saying such investment will enhance Africa’s buying power and thereby increase the global market opportunities.

President Mwanawasa also called for the promotion of South to South cooperation and urged Africans to take advantage of the TICAD facilitation to encourage investors from Asia and other continents to invest in Africa.

Dr. Mwanawasa said since the last TICAD in 2003, Zambia has taken practical steps to encourage south to south cooperation and faster economic growth.

He explained that through the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, JICA, Zambia has hired an experienced retired official from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority to help with specific measures to create a conducive regulatory environment for investment.

He added that the country has earmarked selected parts for special economic areas called Multi Facility Economic Zones (MFEZ).

The President further explained that design work for a 2,000 hector MFEZ is underway in Zambia’s capital, Lusaka.

He said the project whose construction will start in 2009, is being done jointly by the Japanese firm and a Malaysian firm, underscoring the importance of South to South cooperation under the TICAD framework.

The Conference which has seen 52 Heads of State and Government from Africa attending the meeting has attracted 3000 delegates, which include 16 African regional organizations, 22 donor countries and 55 international organizations.

TICAD 1V is being held under the theme ‘Towards a Vibrant Africa: Continent of Hope and Opportunity.’

Among the 52 African leaders are South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki, Tanzania’s Jakaya Kikwete, Malawi’s Mbingu Wamutalika, Namibia’s Hifikepunye Pohamba and Armando Guebuza of Mozambique.

Others are Yoweri Museni of Uganda, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, King Mswati of Swaziland and Prime minister of Lesotho, Pakalitha Mosisili.

Japan to Provide Billions for Infrastructure in African countries

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The fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 1V) has opened in the coastal town of Yokohama, in Japan with Japanese Prime minister, Yasuo Fukuda, pledging to provide US$ 4 billion in soft loans to African countries in the next five years.

Speaking when he addressed the fourth TICAD in Yokohama today, Japanese Prime minister, Yasuo Fukuda, said the money would be channeled towards the construction of cross border infrastructure, road networks and power grids.

Mr. Fukuda said in order to boost the momentum for African growth, there is need to develop infrastructure adding that improvements to transportation infrastructure play a critical role in attracting private investment.

He observed that there were still missing links in Africa’s road networks and pledged Japan’s cooperation to diligently join the unconnected road networks and improve ports in order to form a network that will enable the whole Africa to move forward.

The Japanese Prime minister assured the African leaders that Japan will act in cooperation with the AU, NEPAD and regional Economic Communities to support regional partnerships and integration in Africa.

He explained that Japan’s objective is to facilitate and enable crossing and inspections at national borders in as minimal time as possible.

He further said Japan’s hope is to assist Africa with building “one stop” border posts to make crossing national borders more efficient in areas of customs and immigration procedures.

And Japan has pledged to double its grant aid and technical cooperation to Africa in the next five years.

The Japanese prime minister stated that Japan will double its grant aid and technical cooperation for Africa and coordinate with the international community to address issues of debt relief for Africa.

Japan has also committed itself to assisting developing nations to achieve both green house gas emissions by providing US$10 billion in the next five years.

On wooing investment to Africa, Mr. Fukuda said Japan will reinforce trade insurance in order to make it easy for Japanese companies to develop business in Africa.

Mr. Fukuda further said Japan will soon inaugurate a US$2.5 multi million project for African investment.

He said the Japan Bank for National Cooperation (JBIC} facility fund for African Investment is meant to directly finance businesses in Africa.

Japan is the second largest economy in the world.

Weekend Scorecard & Top Scorers Chart

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International Friendly

25/05/2008

Tehran

Iran (Javad Nekounam 13″, Gholam-Reza Rezaei 35″, Hadi Aghili 89″ pen)- Zambia 2(Clifford Mulenga 60″, Roger Kola 62″)

International Friendly

22/05/2008

Tripoli

Libya 2- Zambia 2(Emmanuel Mayuka, Chiwanki Liyainga)

Junior Friendly International

25/05/2008

Dammam

Saudi Arabia 1(? 70″)- Zambia 1(Stophira Sunzu 65″)

Faz Premier League

Week 10

24/05/2008

City of Lusaka 0- Young Arrows 0

Lusaka Dynamos 0- Zesco United 0

Red Arrows 2( Danny Siyuni 43″, Chisi Mbewe )- Zanaco 0

Nkana 4(Mwila Kabwe 16″, Patrick Kabamba 50″, Ronald Sakapaji 62″, Douglas Chiwaya 85″) – Nkwazi 1(kando Matobosa 15″)

Nchanga Rangers 1(Mathews Macha 35″)- Power Dynamos 4(Luka Lungu 28″, Joseph Sitali 31″, Francis Kombe 80″ pen, 90″)

Green Eagles 0- Konkola Blades 1 (Robert Tembo 75″)

Roan United 1(Kelvin Mumba)- Kabwe Warriors 2 (Joseph Bwalya 15″, Musonda Mweuke 45″)

Chambishi 1(Bobby Chola 87″)- Green Buffaloes 0

TOP SCORERS

After games Played 25/05/2008

LEAGUE, INTL & CUP:

Roger Kola (Zanaco): 8

Emmanuel Mayuka (Kabwe Warriors): 7

Reuben Tembo (Green Buffaloes):6

Francis Kombe (Power Dynamos): 5
Obrey Zulu (Green Eagles): 5
Mathew Macha (Nchanga Rangers): 5

Kruger Mwansa (Young Arrows) : 4

Bobby Chola (Chambishi): 3
Chileshe Kabwe (Konkola Blades): 3
Kelvin Mumba (Roan United): 3
Chileshe Kabwe (Konkola Blades): 3
Timothy Mbewe (Red Arrows): 3
Lawrence Phiri (Green Buffaloes): 3
Chipulu Chileya (Konkola Blades): 3
Shemu Kamanga (Green Eagles): 3
Lottie Phiri (Zesco United): 3
William Njobvu (Lusaka Dynamos): 3
Nicholas Zulu (Zesco United): 3
Morgan Hanjeema (Green Buffaloes): 3

INTERNATIONALS

(25/05/2008)

Roger Kola (Zanaco): 3

Emmanuel Mayuka (Kabwe Warriors) 3

Felix Katongo (Stade Rennes,France): 3

Christopher Katongo (Brondby, Denmark): 2

Division 1

25/05/2008

North

Week 11

Forest Rangers 1 – Mufulira Wanderers 1

Mining Rangers 1 Kalewa 0

Ndola United 2 -Kitwe United 1

Prison Leopards 1- Muchindu 0

Mufulira Blackpool 0 -Lime Hotspurs 1

Afrisports 3 -Tazara Express 2

Indeni 1 – Zamtel 1

Medical 1- Chindwin 1

South

Week 12

South)

Riflemen 0- Nakambala Leopards 0

Lusaka Celtic 1 – Young Buffaloes 1

Mazabuka United 1 – National Assembly 2

Profund Warriors 3 -Nampundwe 1

Builders Brigade 1 -Young Eagles 0

Chilanga Heroes 0 -Petauke United 2

Kambuku 3- Kalomo Jetters 1

Livingstone Pirates 1 – Zamcoal Diggers 0

Lusaka City Council 0- Lusaka Tigers 0

26/05/2008

South

Week 13

Nakambala Leopards 1- Zamcoal Diggers 0

Chilanga Heroes 0- Young Green Eagles 0

Riflemen 1- Lusaka Tigers 0

Profund Warriors 4- Kalomo Jetters 0

Lusaka Celtic 1- Builders Brigade 2

Nampundwe 1- Petauke United 1

Kambuku 2- Mazabuka United 1

Livingstone Pirates 0- National Assembly 1

Lusaaka City Council 4- Young Buffaloes 1

Govt Denies Reports of 25, 000 SA Xenophobia Victims

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Government has denied receiving a request to provide asylum to 25, 000 refugees from South Africa, who are allegedly on transit to Zambia following the recent violence against foreign immigrants in that country.

Chief Government Spokesperson, Mike Mulongoti, told ZANIS in a statement this evening that there was no such movement of asylum seekers as stated by the South African Broadcasting Corporation and the international media.

Mr Mulongoti explained that the media misunderstood the International Federation of the Red Crescent Societies, Head of Southern Africa Zone, when he referred to the inter agency contingency plan developed by the UN, Red Cross Movement and the Zambian government in relation to the potential sudden population movement from neighbouring Zimbabwe.

Mr Mulongoti, who is also information and broadcasting minister, said the inter agency contingency plan was developed long before the Xenophobic attacks broke out in South Africa.

“The correct position is that there is no such a movement. The International Federation and Red Crescent Societies have since clarified the matter, saying there was a misunderstanding by the media of what the Head of Southern African Zone of the body was referring to,” read Mr. Mulongoti’s statement.

He said government would, therefore, only consider the matter after receiving an official request from the UN through the High Commissioner for Refugees.

He advised members of the public not to entertain the statement indicating that 25, 000 refugees are currently trekking from South Africa to Zambia.

He said even in an event where a formal request was made to Zambia, the country needed to prepare logistics, space and other facilities to embrace such a task.

“Since so far, we have not received anything of that sort, we would like to appeal to members of the general public to ignore the statement and should there be any development to that effect, we shall inform them accordingly,” added the statement.

S.A xnenophobic violence reduces

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Pretoria, May 27, ZANIS - The violence against foreign nationals that have wracked South Africa for the past fortnight is under control, said Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula on Monday.

"I do believe the situation is under control ... the violence has subsided," said Minister Nqakula at a briefing at the Union Buildings, following an inter-governmental task team meeting with President Thabo Mbeki.

The team, which was established shortly after violent attacks erupted in Johannesburg's Alexandra township, briefed President Mbeki on progress made following the attacks as well as to deal with welfare issues resulting from the attacks.

Referring to statistics, Mr Nqakula said to date 1 384 suspects have been arrested for their involvement in the violence and robberies, in which 342 shops belonging to foreign nationals across the country had been looted while 213 had been burnt down.

The death toll following the attacks stood at 56.

"To date 1 384 suspects have been arrested. Many of them were involved in violence and robbery," he said.

Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils, who was present at the briefing, said that just because the situation was under control did not mean sporadic attacks could not still take place.

Should this happen government would respond accordingly, Mr Kasrils said.

The intelligence services are also working around the clock to establish the cause of the recent attacks on foreign nationals.

In the last few weeks, the violence has impacted severely on schooling.

According to the Gauteng Department of Education, while things are gradually getting back to normal, there was a high absenteeism rate reported - as both teachers and pupils continue to stay away.

"In Alexandra it affected schooling for two weeks, but when the attacks spread to Reiger Park, the situation became worse; the attacks took place during the day and learners were caught up in the crossfire," Department spokesperson, Panyaza Lesufi said.

According to reports, about 25 000 Zimbabweans were expected to head for Zambia as they fled the violence, while at least 5 500 had received assistance to reach Mozambique.

In Pretoria over 800 people, including children, were given shelter after they camped outside the UN High Commission for Refugees following the looting of their homes and shops.

According to the UNHCR, the majority were documented refugees and asylum seekers from Somalia, Rwanda, Malawi, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo who lost their belongings in the violence in Mpumalanga and northern Gauteng.

In Cape Town, the municipality is continuing to accommodate people who have fled from the violence in six temporary safety sites around the metro region, as well as in many community halls across the city.

“We have carried out this operation in terms of our disaster relief function as a local government, which is to return stability to our communities, protect the safety of people threatened by violence, and address humanitarian needs,” the City’s Mayor Helen Zille said in a statement.

Following this operation, she said the municipality would support the re-integration of people who wished to return to their homes in Cape Town.

“We will also support efforts to return those displaced foreign nationals who wish to return to their home countries,” she said, adding that the process of re-integrating displaced people into their communities will require a peace-keeping force to be deployed to the most sensitive hot-spots around the city.

Meanwhile, the Director General in the Presidency, Reverend Frank Chikane, has called on communities to rekindle the spirit of ubuntu.

Addressing the Presidency staff during the annual Africa Day celebration event, Rev Chikane condemned the recent spate of attacks.

In his address, the DG encouraged staff to work hand-in-hand with communities to stem the tide of hate-inspired attacks on foreigners.

The DG encouraged staff and all South Africans to use their expertise and knowledge to assist people in the townships claim their rights in a peaceful and democratic manner.

Rev Chikane also encouraged all South Africans to lend a helping hand to those who survived the attacks of the past two weeks.

He said these heinous crimes were committed by a minority of South Africans, and expressed regret at the fact that the actions of a few, were impacting negatively on the integrity of all South Africans.

This speech to the Presidency staff comes in the wake of the President’s address to the nation on Sunday in which Mr Mbeki vociferously condemned the recent attacks on foreign nationals.

Warning of a return to the country's violent past in its struggle against apartheid, President Mbeki said the unrest had damaged the image of the country while branding the violence as an "absolute disgrace".

"Never since the birth of our democracy have we witnessed such callousness. We must view the events of the past two weeks as an absolute disgrace," President Mbeki said.
[BuaNews]

Lion, hyena attack in Itezhi-tezhi

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A lion in Lubanda ward in Itezhi-tezhi district is reportedly terrorizing villagers, causing panic and danger to their cattle.

Lubanda ward Community Based Natural Resources Management Project(CBNRM) field facilitator, Noah Sakaleji, confirmed the presence of the lion on a two way radio interview today, saying the lion was spotted in Manunungu area by villagers.

Mr. Sakaleji said at the time the lion was spotted it was trying to attack their cattle in the kraal.

He has since appealed to the Zambia wild life authority (ZAWA) to quickly rush to Lubanda and take the lion back to the Kafue National Park before it attacks cattle and human beings.

And chief Chilyabufu of the Banamwazwe in Itezhi-tezhi district has said that a hyena was also terrorising people in his chiefdom.

The chief said on two way radio that a hyena has killed cattle in his area and that several animals have been injured by the hyena which is attacking them.
[ZANIS]

High sugar prices cause panic to consumers

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A cross section of Mumbwa residents have resorted to using 'Sweet Aid' Juice powder sachets as sweeteners, as alternatives to cope with the reported 100 per cent increase in sugar prices.

A survey conducted over the past week found that many hoseholds had found it cheaper to use 'Sweet Aid' sachets in tea and porridge, owing to the sugar price hikes, in which a 1Kg packet rose to K8,000 or K9,000 from K4,000, whilst the 2Kg packet went up to K18,000or K20,000.

Humphrey Chiminda, a retailer based in 'Kwa Phiri' Compound, confirmed that he had recorded a high turnover of 'Sweet Aid' over the past few days, and had consequently increased his 'Sweet Aid' prices from K300 to K500.

A consumer, Namakau Nawa, complained that the price increases had impacted negatively on the feeding of babies, especially for porridge, and that there was no alternative but to use 'Sweet Aid' or honey.

Several people from within the hospitality industry also admitted that the new increases had unsettled their operations, and had forced them to adjust cetain prices of merchandise.

Manager for La Hacienda Hotel, Sylvester Muzyamba, disclosed that the hotel was faced with a tough decision to make, in which prices of confectionary goods would have to be adjusted if sugar prices continued to be high.

And proprietor of Classic Restaurant, Carol Walusiku, lamented that she had no alternative but to increase the prices of beverages, such as tea and coffee, and that these were the merchandise from which she counted on for frequent turnover.

Sugar prices reportedly went up by at least 100 per cent at retail value recently, provoking some reaction from consumers and retailers alike.

Zambia will not reposes foreign investment, assures Mutati

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The Zambian government has assured Japanese investors that it will not reposes any foreign investment taken into the country, but will support every level of business to boost the country’s economy.

Commerce, Trade and Industry minister, Felix Mutati assured the Japanese business community that the Zambian government has put in place measures to protect foreign investment coming into the country through market support.

Mr. Mutati said through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, TICAD 1V, Zambia will formulate an instrument that will support investment and minimize the perceived risks of coming into Zambia or Africa.

Speaking when he addressed the Japanese business community in Tokyo today, Mr Mutati added that Zambia had formulated some fiscal incentives such as tax corporate, customs suspension,and capital allowances to attract investors to Zambia.

He cited other non fiscal incentives as being stability measures and investment facilitation by Zambia Development Agency.

Mr. Mutati, however, called on investors and the business community in Japan to shift their support from development assistance to development of infrastructure.

He urged the investors to go beyond the supply of equipment and raise their involvement in Zambia and Africa in general.

Mr. Mutati observed that despite Japan being a strong country economically, its presence in terms of investment was small in Zambia.

Mr. Muati told the gathering that Zambia was rich in natural resources and challenged them to come to Zambia and explore investment opportunities in mining, tourism, energy and agriculture.

“As a country we want to move on and develop, but we are restrained because of lack of infrastructure, hence the need to expand the rail system, roads and routes to airports” said Mr. Mutati.

He cited other areas of investment as mobile service providers, soft ware, internet, manufacturing, vehicle assembling, consumer goods and agro processing.

In mining, Mr. Mutati called for investment in exploration and development of new mineral resources, mineral processing and down stream processing of minerals, especially iron and steel.

Meanwhile, Economic Advisor to the President, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane assured the Japanese business community that Zambia‘s strongest asset was peace and stability.

Dr. Musokotwane explained that investors were safe in Zambia as the country has known no internal or external conflicts for more than 40 years.

He added that Zambia’s other strongest point was the GDP growth rate which has averaged over five percent in the past six years. He also explained that Zambia’s external debt has been cut to less than $ 1 billion from more than $ 7 billion.

Dr Musokotwane further said export earnings from the traditional copper exports and non copper exports have quadrupled since 2002.

On government policies, Dr Musokotwane said government has formulated more investor friendly policies such as the equity ownership which allows 100 percent foreign ownership for all promoted investment sectors.

He cited another policy as the liberal forex regime where investors are free to make profits and decide to repatriate capital or profits.

And Executive Director for Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, JOGMEC, Hisamitsu Moriwaki said JOGMEC recognizes Zambia as one of the most promising countries with various minerals.

He said Zambia is one of the important resource countries which have high potential of various mineral resources.

He said JOGMEC would want overseas partners for the joint venture exploration project in order to facilitate mining investment from Japan to African countries.
[ZANIS]

Govt Saddened by Collapse the Extended Family System

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Government says it is sad that the extended family system has been abandoned.

Sport, Youth and Child Development Deputy Minister Angela Cifire says the failure to uphold the extended family system has lead to the inability to cope with the increasing number of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in the country.

Ms. Cifire pointed out that the extended family system was in the past used as a traditional coping mechanism to accommodate the OVCs.

Ms. Cifire said this at the official opening of the International Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Conference organised by the Children Christian Fund (CCF) and the Austrarian Aid (Aus-Aid) under the theme sharing experiences in OVC care and support at Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka today.

She said there is need for parents, guardians and communities to ensure that children are provided with a basic needs and a conducive health environment to enable them grow into responsible adults.

Ms. Cifire however reiterated government’s commitment towards improving the welfare of the children in the country especially those in the vulnerable category.

She has since called upon other stakeholders to develop a multi sectoral approach in implementing programmes and activities on orphans and vulnerable children

Ms. Cifire said the challenges which children are currently facing are enormous for one institution to effectively address them.

And CCF Board Chairperson Dr Tuckson Lambert noted that the review of the national child and youth policies and stiffening of punishments against child sexual offences are testimony of government’s commitment to creating an environment of growth and development of children in the country.

Dr. Lambert commended government for its continued support towards CCF programmes in the country and for creating a conducive environment for the growth and development of vulnerable children in the country.

He noted that the multi sectoral nature of HIV/AIDS which makes some children vulnerable calls for concerted efforts by various stakeholders in order to make a difference.

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President Mwanawasa arrives in Japan

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President Levy Mwanawasa has arrived in the Japanese coastal town of Yokohama to attend the fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development {TICAD 1V} scheduled for May 28 to 30, 2008.

The plane carrying President Mwanawasa and his entourage landed at Narita International Airport, in Tokyo, at 01:55 hours Zambian time.

President Mwanawasa was met on arrival at the airport by Foreign Affairs minister, Kabinga Pande, Zambia’s Ambassador to Japan, Godfrey Simasiku and senior Japanese government officials.

The president was later driven to Royal Park hotel in Yokohama where he will reside during the conference.

At the hotel, Dr Mwanawasa was received by president General of Royal Park Group of hotels, Terutake Miyamoto, Cabinet ministers in the advance party who included Finance and National Planning minister, Ng’andu Magande, Commerce, Trade and Industry minister Felix Mutati , Agriculture and Cooperatives minister, Sara Sayifwanda and other senior Zambian government officials.

TICAD is convened every five years to push the African development agenda forward and promote sustainable economic growth.

This year’s conference will be held under the theme ‘Towards a Vibrant Africa: Continent of Hope and Opportunity.’

Issues to be covered during the conference include ‘boosting economic growth through infrastructure, trade and investment, and agriculture, ensuring human security through achieving Millennium Development Goals, community development, public health and education.

The conference will also look at consolidation of peace and good governance through conflict prevention and assistance for democratization.

Environmental issues such as climate change, mitigation, improving energy access, adaptation, disaster prevention and water, will also rank high on the agenda.

Other issues topping the agenda include expanding partnerships through Asia- Africa Cooperation, Intra-Africa Cooperation, Private- Public Partnership, Africa Development Frontiers and Dialogue with Civil Society.

The Conference will end on Friday, May 30 with the Adoption of the Yokohama Declaration and announcement of the Chair’s summary.

This afternoon, president Mwanawasa is scheduled to meet the Economic Association of Japan {Keidanren}, Chief Representative of the New Komeito and Managing Director of Education Council of High Schools { EEC}, Hirofumi Ohnish before attending a welcome reception co- hosted by the Mayor of Yokohama and the Japanese minister of foreign affairs.

Tomorrow, Dr Mwanawasa will be among several Heads of State and government from Africa and other parts of the world at the official opening Session of the TICAD IV.

The president will make a presentation on ‘Boosting Economic Growth’ afterwhich he will meet with the president of Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA} before attending a Luncheon to be hosted by Japanese Prime minister Yasuo Fukuda.

According to the programme issued by the Zambian Embassy in Japan, President Mwanawasa is also scheduled to meet with Japanese Prime minister, Yasuo Fukuda at Intercontinental hotel and Executive Director for the United Nations World FOOD Programme {WFP} Ms Josette Sheeran at Royal Park hotel.

Later in the evening, Dr Mwanawasa will attend an Award ceremony Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize at the Royal Park hotel.

On Thursday, Dr Mwanawasa will meet Mr Hirofumi Kawano, President Of Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Cooperation, Vice President of Toyota Tsusho, Japan Extenal Trade Organisation Dr Tadataka Yamada, president of Global Health Programme and Ms Florentina Kuti of Bill AND Melinda Gates Foundation.

The President will wind up the day with a reception hosted by Japan-AU Parliamentary Friendship League. He will conclude his engagements in Japan with the adoption of the Yokohama Declaration.

President Mwanawasa leaves Japan on Saturday, 31 May, 2008.

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) was launched in 1993 to promote high-level policy dialogue between African leaders and development partners.

TICAD has since evolved into a major global framework to facilitate the implementation of initiatives for promoting African development under the dual principle of African “ownership” and international “partnership”.

A central feature of this framework is the cooperation between Asia and Africa.

TICAD enjoys the joint support of co-organizers, namely the Government of Japan, the Global Coalition for Africa (GCA), and the United Nations Office of the Special Advisor on Africa (UN-OSAA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank.

Its stakeholders include all African countries and development partners including Asian countries, donor nations, international agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector and parliaments.

The main objectives of TICAD are to promote high-level policy dialogue between African leaders and their partners to mobilize support for African-owned development initiatives. These objectives are embodied in the concept of “ownership” and “partnership”.

The first conference (TICAD I) took place in 1993. During that conference, co-organizers vowed to reverse the decline in development assistance for Africa, which had followed the end of the Cold War. Participants adopted the Tokyo Declaration on African Development, committing themselves to the pursuit of political and economic reforms in Africa, increased private sector development, regional cooperation and integration, and the harnessing of Asian experience of the benefit of African development.

Held in 1998, the second conference (TICAD II) renewed the commitment to Africa’s development challenges with poverty reduction and integration of Africa into the global economy as a primary theme, culminating in the adoption of the Tokyo Agenda for Action (TAA). The TAA outlined a framework of cooperation in the TICAD process identifying shared goals, objectives and guidelines for actions to be taken by Africa and its partners.

In 2003, the third conference (TICAD III) made an explicit commitment for the TICAD Initiative to support the African Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development, NEPAD, a Blueprint for Africa’s peace and socio-economic growth and development.

TICAD III was held in Tokyo with high-level participation of African leaders, including 23 Heads of State, and 10 heads of international organizations. It was heralded as one of the largest international conferences on African development. A political statement TICAD 10th Anniversary Declaration that renewed the commitment of leaders for African development was adopted at the conference.

HIV/AIDS prevalence rate drops in Zambia

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Government has announced that the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the country has decreased by 1.3 per cent between 2001 and 2007.

Meanwhile, HIV and AIDS awareness among the Zambian population has increased to about 99 per cent.

Minister of Health, Brain Chituwo says HIV/AIDS prevalence rate has reduced from 15.6 per cent to 14.3 per cent over a period of six years.

Dr. Chituwo announced this in Lusaka today when he officially released the 2007 Zambia Demographic Health Survey (ZDHS) and launched the Zambia Country Report; Multi-sectoral AIDS Response Monitoring and Evaluation Biennial Report, which he submitted to the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on AIDS (UNGASS).

He attributed the development to government’s determination to improving the health sector and to stakeholders’ involvement towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

He said the HIV prevalence in rural areas decreased from 10.8 per cent in 2001 to 10.3 per cent in 2007 while in urban areas, the figure slightly increased.

And Dr. Chituwo has disclosed that Zambia recorded an improvement in the maternal health care with a decrease in child mortality rates.

The minister further said there was a tremendous improvement protection of 7.9 per cent in 2001 to 32.7 per cent last year on malaria fights especially among pregnant women who used treated mosquito nets.

He commended the ZDHS and the Central Statistical Office (CSO) officials and other cooperating partners for the successful work they carried out.

Speaking earlier, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Country Representative, Aeneas Chuma, commended the Zambian government for managing to reduce the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.

Mr. Chuma has since called for huge investment in the health sector to achieve the intended targets.

He further called for the formulation of Community HIV/AIDS Task Forces in communities to combat further reduce the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.

And National AIDS Council (NAC) Chairman Bishop Joshua Banda urged the media to continue educating the public about HIV/AIDS related issues.

25,000 Zimbabweans in SA heading for Zambia, Red Cross

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An estimated 25,000 Zimbabweans are heading for Zambia as they flee anti-immigrant violence in South Africa with thousands of others leaving for Mozambique and Botswana, the Red Cross said Monday.

“In Zambia, our teams are expecting the arrival of 25,000 Zimbabweans, or 5,000 families,” Red Cross director for Southern Africa, Francoise Le Goff, told AFP on Monday.

“At least 5,500 Zimbabweans have had assistiance to Mozambique,” she added, and 342 had been received in centres near the border with Botswana.

Anti-immigrant violence has raged in South Africa over the last two weeks, leaving 50 dead and an estimated 35,000 displaced internally.

Authorities in Mozambique have said about 26,000 citizens have returned home since the violence began on May 11.

About three million Zimbabweans are believed to have fled an economic meltdown in their country to seek work in South Africa.

They and other foreigners are being blamed by locals in poor slum aeras for unemployment and high crime.

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe said on Sunday that Zimbabweans fleeing the anti-immigrant violence could have land if they returned home.

“Our land is still there, even for youngsters, those who are in South Africa who wish to return to the country,” he said.

Mourners scamper for safety

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Pandemonium reigned during the burial service of Kalomo Central Member of Parliament Request Muntanga’s late mother, Noria, at her farm graveyard when a snake crept among the mourners.

Mourners scampered for safety as the serpent caused panic among mourners who included Southern Province minister Daniel Munkombwe, Southern Province Permanent Secretary Darius Hakayobe and chief Hamusonde of Monze.

United Party for National Development (UPND) and MMD district officials were among the panic stricken mourners who had to temporarily abandon the funeral service as some youths tried in vein to kill the snake.

After almost ten minutes of a vigorous hunt for the snake, the serpent eluded the youths by slipping away into nearby shrubs.

Speaking after the commotion, Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe called on the bereaved family and mourners to look to God during such times of bereavement.

Mr. Munkombwe said death is never easy to accept hence the need to seek for divine solace.

Noria Muntanga 73, is survived by a husband, eight children, 37 grand children and 22 great grand children.

Kaputa District plunged into total darkness

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Kaputa District in the Northern Province has been plunged into total darkness following the running out of diesel for the thermal generator in the area.

Northern Province ZESCO Manager Peter Chamfya and residents confirmed the power blackout to ZANIS in Kaputa today.

Residents told ZANIS that the district has had no power supply for over a week, forcing residents to resort to using charcoal and candles as sources of energy.

The irate residents appealed to ZESCO management to urgently intervene in the matter by sending diesel to the area to resolve the power problem in the district.

Northern Province ZESCO Manager Peter Chamfya, however, assured the residents that his company has already dispatched diesel to the District and that the power supply would soon be normalized in the area.

He further appealed to Kaputa residents to remain calm as ZESCO was doing everything possible to restore power supply to their households.

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