By REBECCA MUSHOTA –

 ZAMBIA Air Force Commander Eric Chimese has said peace and security are important requirements for foreign investment in any country.

 Lieutenant General Chimese said in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Monday that Zambia had continued to attract foreign investment in various sectors because of the peaceful atmosphere that was prevailing in the country.

 He said this when he addressed Zambian diplomats and Zambians working in international organisations at a dinner hosted by Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Susan Sikaneta.

 This is according to a statement issued yesterday by first secretary for Press and tourism at the Zambian Embassy in Ethiopia, Dorcas Chileshe.

 Lt Gen Chimese urged Zambians to unite and uphold the peace which the country had enjoyed for many years.

 At the same function, Deputy Inspector General of the Zambia Police Service Solomon Jere said the police had managed to crack down on criminals who used to terrorise citizens in Lusaka and other major towns.

 Dr Jere said the police service would continue working towards providing a peaceful environment for Zambian citizens.

 He also said the police had intensified the fight against cyber crime which had become a big challenge for Zambia and other countries in Africa.

 Ms Sikaneta commended the defence forces in Zambia for effectively maintaining peace.

 She appealed to Zambians to value the peace which had made Zambia an icon of stability in the entire world.

 The defence and security team is in Ethiopia to attend the seventh African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Defence and Security meeting, which is considering measures to ensure peaceful resolution of conflicts on the continent to enhance social and economic development.