We are not fighting the US, we are just asking for diplomatic order – Haimbe
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe says Zambia is not in a diplomatic fight with the United States but is simply seeking respect for international protocol in handling sensitive matters.
Speaking when he featured on ZNBC’s Sunday Interview last evening, Haimbe said the government is treating the issue of missing medical drugs with the seriousness it deserves, but insisted that proper diplomatic channels must be followed when engaging with Zambia.
This follows the U.S. government’s decision to suspend over K1 billion in health funding, citing drug pilferage as the main reason, a matter announced publicly by the U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales.
But Haimbe said while Zambia appreciates its relationship with the United States, the manner in which the information was communicated was not in line with diplomatic norms.
“There are international laws that govern how countries relate, and the Vienna Convention of 1961 is very clear on that,” Haimbe said.
“I have not gagged anyone. I have only reminded them that diplomacy has its order, and even our own ambassadors abroad follow it.”
He said government remains committed to strengthening its bilateral ties with the US and other nations and dismissed assertions that Zambia is leaning more towards China following the aid cut.
He further warned some local politicians against issuing inflammatory statements that could damage Zambia’s relations with its cooperating partners…
Kalemba
Diplomatic order was when over 30 meetings were held at which the US reminded GRZ on the need to urgently deal with the stealing of drugs supplied by donors and GRZ. The US raised these issues with GRZ in meetings and not in the public. But when little or no action was being taken, it had no option but to lift the lid off the issue This was done because the US government has a responsibility to be accountable to American tax payers just as GRZ should be accountable to Zambian citizens.
I do not think KK, FTJ, LPM, RB, MCS and ECL would have tolerated this either, standing like a Schoolboy being scolded by the Headmaster or like a drenched Chicken standing in the rain? Guys, there must be dignity, diplomatic etiquette and protocol even if we are Beggars, otherwise we will lose so much respect, next our national affairs will be run by “them”, as we saw elsewhere not long ago, some foreigners were in the national Police Uniforms of some country!! With due respect to the old age Adage: “He who pays the Piper determines the Tune”. Granted, but some Tunes are not worth dancing to. My humble view
Mr M.Haimbe is talking the truth and he is talking with respect ang very honestly.If you compare to one opposition leader’ speech in Beijing China two years ago, you may wonder.The opposition leader was talking about democracy he actually slammed Western counties like no man’s business.The story presented by Li Jing Jing showing our opposition man talking about teaching Africans about democracy.To day he is speaking differently concerning the missing drugs.Country men and women don’t demonize your country in order to gain political mileage.We only have one Zambia.If some irresponsible people misbehaved on drugs it’s not to the Interest of government no.The government can not support such behaviour.A responsible person who is a presidential hopeful must instead ask the USA to give Zambia a second chance and offer the much desired aid to the Zambian people.
The US supports governments around the world that support their interests. Stealing drugs donated by the US and failure to put a stop to this does not support their interests. When any government fails to support US interests, the US looks for a political party to support that promises to secure their interests once that party forms government. The arrogance of trying to lecture to ambassador Gonzales with 15 years diplomatic service about the Vienna Convention that Minister Haimbe does not have does not help Zambia. Just as shifting blame on the stealing of drugs to previous governments. The US is looking at what is obtaining now on the ground with the stealing of drugs and what action government is taking or not taking. The US cannot today be expected to hold accountable governments that were there before UPND when the same UPND whilst in opposition promised to deal decisively with corruption and stealing in the health sector once in government. Let us be reasonable!
So you with your doctorate from Matero has any to talk about what experience of Minister Haimbe?
Dr Mulenga Kaoma, it’s only when a thief has stolen and you observe that something is missing that you take action like taking the matter to police.The police have to investigate and start prosecution process, by opening of dockets upon picking suspects.The prosecution authority has to come on board to indeed determine whether the matter is prosecutable.This is not a one day job.Being a doctor I expect you to understand the implications when the suspect is declared to be innocent.You end up causing an expense to the country.You must know that care is important when handling such matters.Any responsible politician must not celebrate the withdrawal of aid.Yes we understand that the government must do some proactive efforts to stop the vice.But the fact remains that society will always have bad elements.If you just blame government without asking the USA to hold on then you are not a patriotic citizen.
We know how UPND sycophants and praise-singers are intolerant of criticism like their masters. For a change, learn to accept criticism and draw lessons from it. Do not be stiff-necked. Own up over drug thefts.
Diplomatic order when you are busy stealing and selling their donations? If you want diplomatic order then stop accepting free handouts or else stop stealing and selling their gifts.