11 March 2008
Maputo — Mozambican President Armando Guebuza swore into office on Tuesday the newly-appointed Ministers of Foreign Affairs, of Justice, and of Transports and Communications, respectively Oldemiro Baloi, Benvinda Levi, and Paulo Zucula.
Former Foreign Minister Alcinda Abreu, who has been moved to become Minister for Environmental Coordination, was unable to attend the ceremony.
Guebuza declared that the new ministers "are joining the government machine, where we say that the demand now is not to walk, but to speed up the pace, and produce results" - remarks which could be read as an oblique criticism of their predecessors.
The President said he had chosen the new ministers because of their proven commitment to Mozambique and to its people. In their previous jobs, they had shown "by their work, creativity and ceaseless quest for palpable results and for excellence, that they are up to the challenges for which I have just sworn them into office", he declared.
Guebuza reminded them of the need to fight against red tape, apathy, corruption, crime and endemic disease. He said that to this end, they should be guided by the principles of national unity, open and inclusive governance, transparent management of public property, and a culture of accountability.
"For you to have the success that our people expect from you in the implementation of these principles, you should continue being tough on yourselves and on your collaborators at all levels", advised Guebuza.
Approached by reporters, both Zucula and Levi said it was too early for them to speak of the priorities they had to tackle, but both promised to use an "inclusive and participatory" model in solving problems.
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