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President  Sata urges Zambians abroad to invest back home

Addis Ababa, January 27, ZANIS---President Michael Sata has said Zambians living abroad should emulate their counterparts from other countries who send wealth back home to contribute to national economic  development.

President Said it was not good for Zambian nationals in the diaspora to live a comfortable life while the majority of their relatives back home were wallowing in poverty.

Addressing Zambian families living in Adds Abba, Ethiopia Thursday night during a dinner held at the residence of Zambia’s Ambassador to that country, President Sata said those living abroad should not forget about their country.

“Some of you are so detached from Zambia that even your children are failing to speak a local language. You are very comfortable here,” President Sata said.

President Sata sent the gathering into laughter when he observed that if talking was an industry, Zambia would have already prospered to greater heights that where it is now.

He however observed that most people in Zambia just talk about the country and not looking at what they can do for their motherland.

He gave an example of countries such as India which have moved to great heights economically because of having dedicated nationals who were investing back home to contribute to national development.

“You must always think about your poor relatives and see what you can do to improve their welfare,” he emphasized.

President Sata assured Zambians living abroad that the PF administration will welcome ideas or initiatives that are aiming and finding ways of making them contribute to national development.

Over 30 families living in Addis Ababa attended the dinner and were given an opportunity to greet the Zambian Head of state at the high table.

Those who attended the function included Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda, Commerce Trade and Industry Bob Sichinga, Justice Deputy Minister Ngosa Simbyakula and Zambia's Ambassador to Ethiopia Francis Simenda.

Others were Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary for Administration Annie Sinyangwe, Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Peter Kasanda and other senior officials.

President Sata arrived in Addis Ababa yesterday, accompanied by first lady Dr. Christine Kaseba to attend the AU summit which opens next Sunday.

On Saturday, President Sata will be among 53 heads of state and representatives of government attending the launch of the new AU conference centre and office complex in Addis Ababa.

And Zambia's Ambassador to Ethiopia Francis Simenda has thanked President Sata for appointing him to serve at the Zambian mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Ambassador Simenda said it was a rare opportunity for him to be sent to Addis Ababa among the many equally qualified Zambians.

He was speaking at the meet the Zambians living in Addis Ababa Presidential dinner last night held at his residence.

Ambassador Simenda said he will work with Zambians living in Ethiopia to contribute to Zambia’s economic development.

Ambassador Simenda, who took over from counterpart Albert Muchanga, assumed office a week ago.

ZANIS

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 25, ZANIS--- The African Union (AU) says all leaders of the member states except Madagascar, will attend the  Heads of State summit which opens Sunday next week.

AU Commission Secretary General Ambassador Jean Mfasoni says 53 Heads of State and representatives of governments from across the African continent have confirmed participation, including the new state of Southern Sudan.

Briefing the media on summit arrangements, Ambassador Mfasoni said only Madagascar which is still serving an AU suspension will not attend the high profile gathering convened under the theme: " Boosting Intra-Africa trade."

“It is unfortunate that Madagascar will miss the summit because she is a family member of the continent.

Mr. Mfason said the AU was also delighted to have received comfirmation from the new leaders of Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, the North African countries facing unprecedented levels of political turmoil.

He said that Tunisia and Libya will be represented at the level of Prime Minister while the Foreign Minister of Egypt will represent that country.

Mr. Mfason expressed happiness that many Heads of State and representatives of governments have confirmed their participation saying African countries need to move together as one.

The 18th Ordinary session of the summit of the AU started Monday with a Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) meeting which closed Tuesday.

The Executive Council meeting starts tomorrow to fine tune documents which will be tabled before the Heads of State and representatives of governments.

The Zambian advance team in Addis Ababa includes Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Peter Kasanda, Permanent Secretary In-Charge of Administration at Cabinet Office Annie Sinyanwe.

Zambian Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Commerce, Trade and Industry were expected to arrive in Addis Ababa Tuesday ahead of the Heads of State meeting.

And the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU) Dr. Jean Ping has condemned in the strongest terms the unprovoked attack against a United Nations Africa Mission in Durfur (UNAMID) defence patrol near Saleh, in Sector South, Durfur.

The incidence which took place last week Saturday, led to the death of one Nigerian peacekeeper, while several others were injured.

In a press statement Tuesday, Dr. Ping expressed condolences to the government of Nigeria and the bereaved family.

The AU Commission chief wished early recovery to the injured and urged the government of Sudan to do everything possible to bring the perpetrators of the crime to book.

He reiterated the AU’s determination to working closely with the United Nations, to do whatever it can to continue supporting the peace efforts in Darfur.

ZANIS