By HELLEN TEMBO –

THE Government has said that Zambia will continue to be a safe country for foreigners because it is a peace-loving and God-fearing nation.
Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba said Zambia was a safe country and would continue being so because Zambians were peaceful, loving and God-fearing people.
Mr Kalaba said he was certain that the international community was aware that Zambia’s track record as a haven of peace and stability had not changed considering the wide condemnation the riots had received from all sections of the Zambian society.
The minister said this at a Press briefing in Lusaka yesterday following attacks targeted at foreigners, particularly Rwandese in some townships of Lusaka on Monday and Tuesday this week.
The foreigners are suspected by some Zambians to be behind the deaths of six men who had been killed and mutilated in the past two months.
“Zambia has a renowned record because of its geopolitical history and culture of receiving and accommodating nationals of other countries,” Mr Kalaba said.
The country has a longstanding privilege that provides a safe haven for many foreigners who have sought refuge in Zambia.
Mr Kalaba said Zambia was proud of God’s favour to be among African countries that had never endured any political instability, while continuing to grow democratically through peaceful co-existence under the motto ‘One Zambia One Nation’.
The Government will spare no effort to honour its responsibility of providing a secure and peaceful environment not only for its citizens but to all foreign nationals who have chosen to make Zambia their home, he said.
“While significant steps have been taken to ensure the safety of all foreign nationals, may I also take this opportunity to reiterate Government’s position to call upon all foreign nationals who may feel unsafe to immediately report to the nearest police station,” Mr Kalaba said.