By Isaac Zulu
Information and Media permanent secretary Kennedy Kalunga has said that the statement that was issued by the United States of America Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to the effect that President Hakainde Hichilema is on war path and is working hard to curb China’s malign and influence in Zambia has raised concerns from many people.
Speaking with Daily Revelation, Kalunga said that it is not true to assert that the Head of State has neither rebutted nor clarified the matter, saying government will issue a statement to give its official position on the same.
“I am aware about that statement. And as government we are aware that this issue has raised a lot of concerns from many people. And it is not true that the Head of State has not clarified the matter. We had prepared a statement that was supposed to be issued by the minister, but the minister was not around… there was an acting minister (of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation). We will issue a statement to give government’s official position on the matter,” Kalunga said.
He attributed the delay to clarify government’s position to the absence of a substantive Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation minister and the busy schedule that the acting minister had at Parliament this week.
Asked when government would give its official position on the matter, Kalunga told this reporter to give him time to seek guidance and clearance as per government protocol.
“I know it has been over taken by events. But let me just seek some guidance and clearance. You, you know that government protocol has to be followed. I will certainly avail the statement to you,” said Kalunga.
