Zambia, a leader of democracy in Southern and Central Africa

British High Commissioner James Thornton says Zambia has continued to be a leader in democracy and rule of law in Southern and Central Africa.

Mr. Thornton says he is delighted to note that former Republican President Rupiah Banda was the first former President to urge former Malawian President Joyce Banda to concede defeat.

He says Zambia has had several elections in which power transition has been smooth.
Italian Ambassador to Zambia Pier Mario Dacco says his country does not attach any conditions on its ties with Zambia.

Mr. Dacco says Italy does not believe in dictating to Zambia what the country should do.

Ambassador Dacco said this in Lusaka last night during the celebrations to Mark Italy’s national day.

In March last, President Michael Sata said some diplomats accredited to Zambia are interfering in internal affairs.

President Sata said a diplomat went to one of the provinces and started asking locals about Zambia’s governance system.

The Head of State said his office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were open to any diplomat that wanted to raise concerns with Zambia’s governance record.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Deputy Minister Nixion Chilangwa says Zambia has benefited greatly from the bilateral relations with Italy.

ZNBC