FOREIGN ENVOYS CAUTIONED
GOVERNMENT has cautioned diplomats accredited to Zambia to respect the country’s laws and not to interfere in the country’s affairs.
Information and Broadcasting Permanent Secretary, Chanda Kasolo confirmed that he held a meeting with US envoys, where he reminded them of Zambia’s sovereignty.
This followed demands by American Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote that Prime TV should be given back its broadcasting licence.
Mr Kasolo told Daily Nation that he made it clear to the diplomats that government was using laws to address issues that had potential to cause mayhem in the country.
He told the American government that Zambia was not a dictatorial state and that its actions were guided by the law.
Mr Kasolo urged envoys to stop issuing unsubstantiated statements regarding the governance of the country.
He reiterated that Zambia was a sovereign country and that no other countries should interfere in its affairs.
“The American Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote sent a representative last week and we held a meeting over his statement regarding the closure of Prime TV. During that the meeting I told the American government that our government was not doctorial and that they should respect the laws that govern this country.
“I said that it is good that the American government understands that Zambia was a sovereign country and no one should interfere in its affairs,” Mr Kasolo said.
And Mr Kasolo advised the American government to make submissions to parliament if they were not satisfied with the country’s laws.
He said that Parliament was the only institution that was responsible to amend the laws of the country.
“I made it clear that the US if it is aggrieved with the laws of the country it should ensure that it informs the Parliament than issuing statement anyhow,” Mr Kasolo said.