ITALIAN ENVOY TO DRC KILLED IN UN CONVOY ATTACK
KINSHASA - Italy's ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo has been killed in an attack in the east of the country, its foreign ministry has said.
Luca Attanasio, 43, died in hospital yesterday after the United Nations convoy he was travelling in came under fire near Goma, a statement said. The convoy reportedly belonged to the UN's World Food Programme ( WFP).
An Italian military police officer travelling with the envoy and a third person were also killed, reports say.
"It is with deep sadness that the foreign ministry confirms the death, in Goma, of the Italian ambassador," the ministry's statement said.
Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio expressed his "great dismay and immense sorrow" at the killings.
"No effort will be spared to shed light on what happened," he said.
The attack is believed to have been an attempted kidnapping, according to officials at the nearby Virunga National Park. -
THE massive developmental support Zambia has continued to receive from multinational organizations such the UN system is clear evidence that the international community has confidence in the Edgar Lungu-led Government, PF Kanyama constituency aspiring candidate Chrisantius Changwereza has said.
Mr Changwereza said no amount of propaganda from the opposition will change the good image of the country and its leadership locally and abroad.
He said this in the wake of the huge support Zambia has continued receiving from cooperating partners in the fight against the Covid-19.
"Despite a slender campaign by the opposition against President Edgar Lungu and the PF Government, the international community has continued supporting Zambia because of the confidence they have in the leadership of our head of state," he said.
Mr Changwereza said Zambians were ready to retain the PF Government in power following the unprecedented development going on under the watchful eye of President Lungu.
He said come August, 12, the PF would record a resounding victory against the opposition which had nothing to offer to the many challenges the citizens are facing.
Mr Changwereza said most
Zambians were optimistic that the current talks between Zambia and the IMF would yield positive results.
He said the discussions on debt restructuring underway were long overdue as the country was in a hurry to recover from the economic slow own caused by the negative effects of the Covud-19 pandemic.
He is the talks due to end on March, 3, this year were a sign that relations between Zambia and the IMF are improving.