ZAMBIA VICE PRESIDENT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO ICGLR

Zambia Vice President George Kunda

Vice President George Kunda says Zambia is committed to implementing the agreement on peace, stability and development including all its protocols in the Great Lakes Region.

Mr. Kunda reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to the effective implementation of the tools once adopted by ICGLR member states.

Mr. Kunda said this in Lusaka yesterday when he officiated at the Regional Inter-Ministerial meeting of the International Conference on the Great Lakes region (ICGLR).

He observed that the illegal exploitation of natural resources has contributed to prolonged wars in the region.

“Dialogue and consultations for the harmonization of policies and strategies to deal with matters could not have come at a better time than now,” the Vice President said

Mr. Kunda who is also Minister of Justice stated that the protocol against the illegal exploitation of natural resources forms part of the pact which was signed by 11 Heads of State on 15^th December, 2006.

The objectives of the protocols include promoting and strengthening development of effective mechanisms to prevent, curb and eradicate the illegal exploitation of natural resources in each member state.

The member states have since established a Committee to steer the activities of the regional initiative against the illegal exploitation of natural resources.

President Rupiah Banda is the current Chairperson of the ICGLR.

ZANIS