BRIEFING | Zambia challenges EU Parliament resolution, seeks formal talks with Brussels
Zambia has challenged the European Parliament’s resolution on post-election developments, describing it as premature and requesting formal talks with European Union institutions over the concerns raised.
“The Government considers that serious determinations concerning a sovereign state should be based on verified facts and informed by engagement with the concerned Government,” Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe said in a statement issued Friday.
Lusaka says the resolution was adopted under an urgency procedure without prior engagement with Government and before publication of the EU Election Observation Mission’s final report.
It has asked the EU Delegation in Lusaka to convene formal partnership dialogue with the European Commission and European External Action Service.
On the killing of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, Government said the August 14 incident remains under police investigation with oversight from the Human Rights Commission.
“The Government considers it premature to characterise specific incidents as murder before the conclusion of investigations,” the statement said.
Government also rejected allegations of arbitrary detention and maintained that opposition figures facing criminal charges are entitled to due process, legal representation and fair trials.
It said bail, trial dates and other judicial matters remain for the courts rather than the Executive to determine.
Despite the disagreement, Lusaka signalled no retreat from its relationship with Brussels.
“Zambia remains committed to its longstanding strategic partnership with the European Union,” Government said, citing continued cooperation in trade, investment, development and critical raw materials.
-The People’s Brief | Chileshe Sengwe
Let EU go to hell. And I say let them go to hall. Let them try that to Rwanda. Paul Kagame will tell the go to hell.