Freedom fighters honoured

ACTING President Edgar Lungu yesterday led several dignitaries who included Zambia’s and foreign former Heads of State, service chiefs and diplomats in laying wreaths at Lusaka’s Freedom Statue.
The wreaths were laid in honour of the freedom fighters that fought for the country’s independence.
Mr Lungu arrived around 08:35 and was ushered to the podium.
After Mr Lungu laid the wreath, he was followed by first President Dr Kenneth Kaunda and later fourth republican President Rupiah Banda, who was followed by service men and women.
Foreign country representatives followed together with diplomats.
Among the notable former foreign Heads of State present were Botswana’s Festus Mogae, South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki and Malawi’s Bakili Muluzi.
And notable country representatives were Kenya’s deputy President William Ruto, Uganda’s Vice-President, Edward Ssekandi and China’s Vice-President of the National People’s Congress Xiangbapingcuo.
Others were Mozambique’s Prime Minister Alberto Vaquina, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Kazukui Nakame, US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Greenfield, Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Mumbengegwi and Speaker of the Burundi National Assembly Pie Ntavyohanyuma.
After the laying of wreaths, Mr Lungu took time to greet all the dignitaries and service chiefs before witnessing a colorful match and fly-past by the service men and women, who also displayed several skills.
And speaking in an interview, British High Commissioner to Zambia James Thornton congratulated Zambia for its economic progress.
Mr Thornton said the country has great harmony and is a haven of peace.
“The country needs to carry on in the right direction and be more ambitious,”  he said.
Mr Thornton commended Government for embarking on a number of developmental projects.

Zambia Daily Mail