SATA

By XAVIER MANCHISHI-
PRESIDENT Michael Sata is reluctant to recall diplomats but some people are forcing his hand when they behave in a manner that brings the name of the country into disrepute, Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary George Zulu has said.
Mr Zulu said President Sata was reluctant to recall diplomats that he had entrusted with the responsibility to represent the country.
Mr Zulu said this when he was addressing diplomatic and local staff at Zambia House after he concluded his study tour of the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) from October 1-3, 2014.
“I am happy that here in London all the problems we heard in the recent past are over and I want to urge you to always remember that the President expects you to be at your very best behaviour,” Mr Zulu said.
According to a statement released by first secretary for Press at the Zambia Embassy in London, Amos Chanda, the permanent secretary said President Sata expected diplomats to be at their very best both professionally and in their personal conduct.
Mr Zulu was impressed by the FCO’s view of the current performance and conduct of the high commissioner and his staff in London.
He urged them not to behave in any way that might undermine the relationship with the host Government.
“I have to announce that I have received a very positive report from our hosts and, therefore, the problems of the past seem to be over. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on this performance.
“They (FCO) have told me that you and your staff are actively involved with them on key issues and, doing the very best to cement the relationship between Zambia and the UK and that the conduct of our diplomats here is very good,” Mr Zulu said.
He also cautioned the locally-engaged staff to abide by both the laws of the land and the terms of employment agreed with the Mission.