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Zambia: Sata Reconciliatory Stance Applauded
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The Times of Zambia (Ndola)
14 May 2008
Posted to the web 14 May 2008
Ndola
THE Government and some opposition political parties have welcomed the decision by Patriotic Front (PF) leader, Michael Sata, to open dialogue with President Mwanawasa.
Chief Government spokesperson, Mike Mulongoti, said the Government had always opened its doors for dialogue to all the political parties.
Mr Mulongoti said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that there was merit in Mr Sata's decision to seek to reconstruct his relationship with the Government, as he was one of Zambia's senior citizens and political leaders.
"We are happy to see Mr Sata back. For us, even before we have been open to dialogue," he said.
Mr Mulongoti said Mr Sata had an obligation to provide good leadership to the country even if he was in an opposition party.
He said the Government evacuated the PF leader to South Africa for specialist treatment because it had an obligation to look after its citizens.
The United Party for National Development (UPND) welcomed the stance taken by Mr Sata to dialogue with the Government.
UPND spokesperson, Charles Kakoma, said there was always need for dialogue in politics, especially when there were contentious issues.
Mr Kakoma, who is Zambezi West member of Parliament, said the UPND had been calling for talks between the opposition and the Government but Mr Sata's party was in the past against the idea.
"Mr Sata has been contributing to the delayed dialogue between the opposition and the Government. Now that he has realised the importance we welcome him to the arena of dialogue.
"For us, dialogue is a long-standing policy of our party. People must fight using their brains," he said.
United Liberal Party (ULP) president, Sakwiba Sikota, said he was glad that the PF president had decided to shift his position on dialogue with the Government.
Mr Sikota said it was good that Mr Sata had taken a reconciliatory stance.
"What is remarkable is that Mr Sata seems to have changed his view towards reconciliation. When Levy said he had reconciled with me in Livingstone, Mr Sata was the first one to say that it was the end of my political career.
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"There is never any substitute to dialogue. Dialogue is the best way to solve problems," he said.
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