. Cameron
By CHARITY MOONGA –
UNITED Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and British Prime Minister David Cameron will be among 26 dignitaries that are expected to attend Zambia’s 50th independence anniversary.
Vice-President Guy Scott said this in a ministerial statement in Parliament yesterday.
Countries that have confirmed participation are Germany, Tanzania, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Egypt, Malawi, Nigeria, United States of America, France, Mozambique, Zimbabwe Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Seychelles and Canada.
Guests from the twenty-six States were expected to arrive by Thursday, while the Chinese guest had already arrived.
Dr Scott maintained that Zambia would have normal celebrations despite the absence of the President and that the Foreign Affairs Ministry was handling the situation very well.
Sikongo MMD MP, Mundia Ndalamei wanted to know whether Government would release the incarcerated Barotse activists but Dr Scott said the issue was the prerogative of the President and that the gazette notice had already been released.
The Vice-President said his message to the people of Western Province was, “We are 50 years old, let us celebrate”.
On the investiture, Dr Scott said the ceremonies would take place in the various provinces by assigned Cabinet ministers.
Earlier, Dr Scott said independence celebrations had been going on for some time now and would reach a climax on October 23, 2014 when the national flag would be hoisted at midnight.
Among other celebrations expected are, a State banquet tomorrow, gala night at heroes stadium, where thousands of children and military personnel will have a display.
On Friday, the acting president will lead diplomats and servicemen in the laying of wreaths, while the Miss Zambia grand finale and the Zambia versus Ivory Coast football match would also be held.
Keembe MMD MP Ronnie Shikapwasha caused laughter when he said he was an unsung hero after surviving colonial police brutality as a 14-year-old boy.
Later, Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini implored MPs to avoid aspersions when debating.
