Former President Frederick Chiluba today declared that he would hit back at any attacks on his person, character and the way he ran government between 1991 and 2001.

Dr Chiluba says he has for a long time ignored attacks aimed at discrediting him and his administration, mainly from the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), the party which he led from 1990 to 2002.

He said he was tired of tolerating indifferences that were diverting his attention from real issues, but were instead creating an impression that he destroyed the nation during his one decade regime.

Dr Chiluba was speaking today at his residence in Lusaka during a press briefing tailored to reactions by President Mwanawasa, Minister of Information Mike Mulongoti and Deputy Minister of Finance, Jonas Shakafuswa on issues he raised on November 25th, this year at the Lusaka International Airport when he returning from his routine medical review in South Africa.

On his arrival at the Lusaka International Airport on November 25, this year, Dr. Chiluba asked for confirmation from government on rumours that ministries and government departments have transferred their bank accounts from the Zambia National Commercial Bank, a parastatal to Finance Bank, which is a private bank.

Dr. Chiluba also asked government to explain rumours that it directed biggest parastal companies namely Tazama, ZESCO and Indeni to close their insurance policies at Zambia State Insurance Corporation and move to Professional Insurance, a private company.

He also said the New Deal administration of President Mwanawasa was merely reaping the fruits of the economic policies which he initiated.

Dr Chiluba told journalists that he would now begin to respond to issues raised against him in order to establish the truth and clarity, adding that his continued silence in the face of incessant attacks on his person has been misconstrued.

“So the days of keeping quiet are over and anyone pointing a finger at my administration or me should expect a quick response,” he said.

“I have tried hard since 2002 when President Mwanawasa came to office to be quiet and allow the new deal government which I considered my own to operate with little or no distractions but all such efforts have only yielded mistrust”, he said.

Dr. Chiluba quoted from the Bible in the book of John 8:32 and Hosea 4:6 saying, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” and “My people perish for lack of knowledge” respectively.

The former president said it was now time to make ‘lively’ noise, quoting Proverbs 18:21, “It is Godly to speak wisely.”

He denied having neglected first President, Kenneth Kaunda’s family after they left office in 1991.

And Dr. Chiluba said Zambia could have significantly recorded development in some areas if the K88.2 billion reported in the Auditor General’s report to the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as having been misappropriated between 2002 and 2005 was spent on developmental projects.

A total of K12.7 trillion was reported to have been registered as irregularities during the same period.

The former president also said there was much more corruption under the current administration that before, despite the current government being said to be operating on the principles of zero tolerance to corruption.

On the mining sector, Dr. Chiluba said the Anglo America corporation was intending to come back to Zambia because of high copper prices obtaining on the market and not because of good policies by the Mwanawasa administration.

Dr. Chiluba observed that although his administration had weaknesses, it also scored some successes which Zambians must recognise and appreciate.

He said some of the projects that were being undertaken and completed by the new deal administration were initiated by his administration.

“Let us appreciate each other’s contribution to the development of our country. We should not blame our failures on other,” he said.

Zambia has appealed to all member States of the United Nations to support the call for the immediate ending of the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba.

Zambia says it has repeatedly called on the United States of America (USA) to lift the economic embargo against Cuba because this has a direct negative impact on the principles of free trade and navigation.

Zambia’s Ambassador and Permanent Reprersentative to the United Nations (UN), Lazarous Kapambwe said this when addressing a 62nd Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly on the topic Necessity of Ending The Economic, Commercial and Financial Embargo imposed by the United States of America Against Cuba.

In a Statement availed to ZANIS in Lusaka, Ambassador Kapambwe pledged Zambia’s committment to strengthening of universal respect of international law in conduct of all forms of relations among sovereign.

The Ambassador said Zambia had noted with appreciation the report by the Secretary General contained in the document entitled ”Necessity of Ending The Economic, Commercial and Financial Embargo imposed by the United States of America Against Cuba”.

”We believe that this report has provided us with an objective and clear analysis of the negative impact arising fromthe sanctions against Cuba”, He said.

Ambassador Kapambwe said Zambia maintained that the Helms Burton legislation violates the sovereignty of Cuba and is a breach of international law and not in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter, among them, the sovereign equality of States, non interference in their internal affairs and freedom of international trade and navigation.

In addition, he said the Secretary General ‘s report vindicates the position consistently held by the Assembly over the years, that the embargo against Cuba hurt the innocent people, particularly the most vulnerable who are women and children.

Despite the hardship caused by the sanctions, he said Zambia notes that the Cuban people have become more determined and united in defence of their country’s sovereignty, welfare and dignity for which they have sacrificed so dearly.

He further assured that based on the information compiled by the Secretary General in his latest report, Zambia will vote in favour of the draft resolution because of its firm belief in the sanctity of the charter of the UN which binds member States.

President Levy Mwanawasa
has denied insinuations from some quarters of the media that he failed to attend recently held international meetings like the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Uganda because he was sick.

Dr Mwanawasa said there was nothing wrong in delegating Senior Government officials to international forums to represent him because Government has partnerships on which it operates and functions in executing its duties.

Responding to queries by Journalists shortly before his departure for Germany where he has been invited for a four-day State Visit, Dr. Mwanawasa said today that he should not be condemned when he assigned people to represent him at international fora.

‘’Surely I should not be condemned’’ when I assign people to represent me”, he said.

He however admitted that like anybody else he fell sick.

Dr Mwanawasa has since invited members of the media to watch him at Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Chamba Valley gym when he goes for his work outs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for over an hour.

He advised Journalists to be mindful with other people’s feelings as they disseminate information to the general citizenry not only in Zambia but worldover.

Dr. Mwanawasa noted that the media being a fourth estate is vital as it is the link between Government and the people.

‘’I wish to invite you Journalists to watch me at ZAF Chamba valley at the gym every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays where I train for one hour 30 minutes,’’ Dr. Mwanawasa said.

The jovial looking President said he has ‘slimmed’ as a result of good exercises at the gym.

Meanwhile, President Levy Mwanawasa has with immediate effect retired in national interest Zambia National Service (ZNS) Commandant Major General Chileshe Mbao.

Dr Mwanawasa has since appointed Zambia Army (ZA) Deputy Commander Major General Raphael Chiseta.

The President has also appointed Zambia National Service Deputy Commander Brigadier General Moses Chipika to serve in Foreign Service to a named country to be announced later.

‘’I have no doubt that Gen. Chisheta will excel significantly as he takes on his new appointment from Maj-Gen Mbao. I have also with immediate effect appointed Gen. Chipika to proceed to a diplomatic service to be advised until confirmation,’’ Dr. Mwanawasa said.

Communications and Transport Minister Sarah Sayifwanda has castigated National Airports Corporation (NAC) authorities for not developing infrastructure entrusted in them.

Mrs. Sayifwanda says there was over 2,000 hectares of land at the Lusaka International Airport but she was disappointed that NAC is operating on dilapidated infrastructure inherited many years ago.

Mrs. Sayifwanda said this in Lusaka today when she toured the Lusaka International Airport premises.

She said Lusaka International Airport has only one run-way hence the need for the NAC to construct some more to help accommodate increasing planes.

The visibly annoyed Minister said it is the responsibility of parastatal companies to ensure that they develop infrastructure instead of concentrating on making profits on dilapidated environments.

She said there is need to move with time adding that as Minister in charge of Communication, she should be seen to be implementing and not just mere rhetoric.

‘’NAC is still using the buildings left by first republican president Dr. Kenneth Kaunda. We have over 2,000 hectares of land which the Corporation can expand on. I need to see change and the status is unpleasing to me as it stands,’’ she castigated.

She said that in her quest to develop the communications sector, Zambia needs to move with modern trends to suit with the global aviation services.

And National Airports Corporation Lusaka International Airport Manager Friday Mulenga could explain the dilapidated Airport grounds.

But Mr. Mulenga said NAC would pull its socks and improve on its buildings.

Zambia is poised to save about US $150 million per year in iron and steel imports following the setting up of the Kafue Integrated Iron and Steel by Universal Mining and Chemical industries

Currently, Zambia imports most of its iron and steel products used in the construction industry.

The US $120 million project investment when fully operational by next year June is expected to directly create about 6000 jobs and more subsidiary business.

Speaking during the brick laying ceremony at the plant this morning, President Levy Mwanawasa said the setting up of the plant will contribute to job and wealth creation in Kafue Town.

Dr. Mwanawasa further said the plant would augment the other efforts for similar opportunities such as Nikel Mining.

He observed that the people of Kafue have faced a lot of economic hardships following the problems at the Kafue Textiles Limited (KTZ) and the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ).

He said the problems at the two companies, which are the major sources of employment for the locals, have been a source of concern but stated that his administration has tried under difficult financial circumstances to address some of the problems.

Dr. Mwanawasa disclosed government a few years ago paid off what was owed by KTZ to its former workers after negotiating terms with them.

He revealed government will address in a more concerted manner some of the problems at the NCZ.

Dr. Mwanawasa urged youths to take advantage of the business opportunities that are opening in the area.

He said government has created the Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF) which they can use to start up businesses.

And Dr. Mwanawasa has pledged his government’s assistant to the plant so as to ensure that the project succeeds.

He said with the past failed efforts by the State to establish an iron and steel plant, that government was ready to listen to the problems that the company will face.

Meanwhile the President has however urged the company to ensure that it takes care of environmental concerns.

Speaking at the same function, Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Felix Mutati commended financial institutions that have assisted the company in providing bridge up resources.

He said government was encouraged that local businesses have started investing in the Zambia economy.

And Company Director for Corporate and Public Affairs Bright Chunga said the plant will bring economic liberalisation on the country’s imported of the iron and steel products.

He said Zambians would from next year be able to build their homes using cheaper materials with readily available iron and steel products made locally.

The Iron and Steel project is a six year project to be conducted in three phases.

The company is expecting to produce about 100 000 tonnes of iron and steel per year in the first phase and reach 280 000 by the sixth year.