22 April 2008
Ndola — President Mwanawasa has said it is irresponsible for Lusaka provincial MMD chairman, Geoffrey Chumbwe to issue a statement that Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe should be removed by force.
Mr Mwanawasa said the statement embarrassed him because Mr Chumbwe is not the ruling party or Government spokesperson.
Dr Mwanawasa was answering questions from journalists shortly after arrival from Mauritius where he was attending the Southern African Development Community (SADC) conference on poverty reduction. He said the statement had effects of souring the relationship with Zimbabwe but hoped the Zimbabweans would appreciate that Mr Chumbwe had no authority to speak for the party.
"The statement is highly irresponsible which has been condemned by the party. Mr Chumbwe is so junior in the party's hierarchy. In fact I was personally embarrassed when I heard the statement, " Dr Mwanawasa who is SADC chairperson said.
He said that the Zimbabwean issue was being handled well by SADC. Mr Chumbwe on Saturday last week told journalists at Lusaka International Airport shortly after the President left for Mauritus that SADC leaders should consider removing Mr Mugabe by force.
And when contacted for a comment Mr Chumbwe said he maintains his statement over Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, all is set for the MMD National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to be held at State House today.
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