from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – ZAMBIA has dissuaded foreign diplomats accredited to the country from using the media when addressing matters that could be resolved through established diplomatic channels.
The government of President Haikande Hichilema believes the current approach undermines the spirit of mutual respect and constructive engagement that underpins diplomatic relations.
This comes as the country reels from the United States ambassador, Michael Gonales, announcing via the media that the Donald Trump administration was cutting aid worth $50 million to Zambia’s healthcare sector over theft of pharmaceuticals.
The Ministers of Health; Home Affairs and Internal Security; and Foreign Affairs and International and Cooperation, have issued a joint statement.
“The government wishes to underscore that, in the event of differences of perception or concerns on matters of mutual interest, the appropriate course of action remains direct engagement with relevant authorities,” they stated.
They stated such interactions should be guided by the provisions of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations of 1961, which outlines the expectations for conduct among diplomatic representatives, including the obligation to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state and to refrain from interfering in its internal affairs.
The ministers said Zambia valued the important role played by the diplomatic corps in fostering international cooperation, promoting peaceful dialogue, and advancing bilateral and multilateral relations.
“In this regard, the government remains appreciative of the support rendered by all cooperating partners, with whom it enjoys constructive engagement in the event of any misunderstandings.”
The ruling United Party for National Development (UNDP) has in recent days accused some foreign missions of seeking to effect regime change in Zambia.
– CAJ News