Zambia: Clinton Happy With President’s Stance on Violence, Polls

Abel Mboozi

11 June 2011

UNITED States of America Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has hailed President Rupiah Banda’s stance on political violence and expressed confidence that Zambia would hold transparent and fair elections that would reflect the will of the people.

She was happy that President Banda repeatedly condemned political violence, which she said was commendable.

Ms Clinton who was speaking at State House during a joint Press conference with President Banda said as Zambia went to the polls, it had the chance to set a model democratic process.

“I am confident that Zambia will hold peaceful, transparent and fair elections in a manner that reflects the will of the people. I am glad that President Banda has repeatedly condemned violence, which is a good message for the country,” she said.

She congratulated Zambia for successfully hosting the AGOA summit and reiterated the US’s commitment to working with the Zambian Government in the various sectors of the economy.

Ms Clinton also expressed happiness with Zambia’s efforts in tackling HIV/AIDS, especially the reduction in mother-to-child transmission.

She said the US valued Zambia for its hosting of refugees and its calls to end violence in Madagascar.

And president Banda assured Mrs Clinton that Zambia would hold free, fair and transparent elections this year.

He said Zambia has had successful and transparent elections before and that this year’s elections will be held in similar conditions.

The president said he would work with all the parties involved to ensure the elections were held in a peaceful manner.

He said Zambia has had some violent election experiences but that he would ensure such did not occur this year.

“Zambia’s elections will be held within a few months and we shall ensure that they are transparent, free, fair and that they are held in a peaceful atmosphere,” he said.

The president said he did not condone violence and that he had always preached peace.

He said Zambia should know better, the ills of allowing violence because it was surrounded by neighbouring countries that had been at war for a long time.

Mr Banda said Zambia was grateful to have hosted the AGOA forum, saying the country was undergoing a transformation in its economy through the growing mining and agricultural activities.

He said Zambia would work hand in hand with the US in trade promotion so that it could benefit from one of the biggest economies in the world.

And responding to questions from journalists, President Banda said he valued Zambia’s friendship with China.

He said China had continued to buy copper from Zambia even during the global economic recession.

The president also invited US investors with agricultural and tourism expertise to come and set up businesses in Zambia.

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