CHILUBA RE-ESTABLISHED MULTI PARTY DEMOCRACY IN ZAMBIA – SAYS US GOVERNMENT

Late Dr. Frederick Chiluba

United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Johnnie Carson says the late former Zambian Second Republican President, Dr. Frederick Chiluba was essential in re-establishing multi-party democracy in Zambia.

Ambassador Carson extended condolences to His Excellency, President Rupiah Bwezani Banda and the people of Zambia following the death of President Frederick Chiluba on Saturday 18^th June, 2011.

The US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs in his message said Dr. Chiluba was not only a leader on labour issues, but was also instrumental in moving Zambia towards privatization and focusing on civil liberties .

A book of condolences for President Frederick Chiluba was opened at the Zambian Embassy in Washington DC last Thursday.

Among the first to sign the book of condolences were Ambassadors from Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia, Kenya and Lesotho.

Messages have also been received from Cape Verde, Ethiopia, Guinea, Benin, Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Sudan, the African Union, Vietnem, Fiji, Oman and Finland.

Meanwhile, e-mails paying tribute to President Frederick Chiluba have been received in Washington DC from Zambians based in the diaspora.

The messages began appearing last Wednesday as the news of the death of Dr. Chiluba was received. Many expressed shock and prayed for the Chiluba family as well as the government with the loss of the former President