Lusaka — President Frederick Chiluba has asked the Church to stop taking a partisan stand when commenting on political issues.

Swearing-in newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers at State House yesterday, President Chiluba said the Church should guide the nation spiritually. "My appeal to the Church is that each time they talk about politics they should avoid speaking on partisan terms," he said.

President Chiluba also appealed to the international community to desist from involving itself in activities that would promote hatred among Zambians. President Chiluba disclosed that four days before the MMD extra-ordinary national convention, he received a letter with contents which were intra- inference in the internal affairs of the ruling party.

He praised Zambians for their mature manner in which they conducted themselves during the third term debate period. "It is a plus to Zambians because very few countries can go through such period without bloodshed," he said.

"I am very sure that this country will in future amend its Constitution." President Chiluba refuted reports that MMD was discriminatory against race, citing his appointment of Dr. Yusuf Badat as testimony. "It is not a public relations move," he said.

President Chiluba advised his party supporters to campaign peacefully during the forthcoming presidential and general elections. He advised newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers to serve the people diligently.

President Chiluba further advised the ministers to avoid being complacent during their execution of duties. Among those sworn in yesterday were Vernon Mwaanga as information minister while Levison Mumba took oath of office as health minister.

Others were: Dr. Akbar Yusuf Badat (commerce, trade and industry minister), Joackim Mwape (communications and transport minister), Jane Chikwata (community development minister), Bothwell Nyangu (environment minister), Alfred Chambeshi (lands minister) and sports minister Peter Chintala. While the deputy ministers were Josiah Chishala for State House, Goodson Mulilo in the Office of the Vice- President, Ephraim Mateyo as defence deputy minister, Ephraim Kawinga (home affairs), Godfrey Simasiku (finance),Steven Chilombo (foreign affairs), Enock Chikamba, Rose Malama (agriculture, food and fisheries), Kaunda Lembalemba (mines), Rosemary Yikona (health), Rev.

Dan Pule (education), Peter Matubulani (labour) Simasiku Namakando, Joyce Nondo (local government), Norman Chibamba, David Shimonde (commerce, trade and industry), Dismas Kalingeme (communications and transport), Gilbert Mululu (works and supply), Irene Chisala (energy and water development), John Chisanga (community development), George Chulumanda (science, technology and vocational training), Chrisford Ngulube (information), Stephen Manjata (environment and natural resources), David Kapangalwendo (lands deputy minister), Regina Phiri (Eastern Province), Daniel Kapapa (Northern Province) and Copperbelt permanent secretary Jeffrey Mukala.