Govt Regrets US Envoy’s Behaviour
By Mwila Nsofu-Government says it deeply regrets that despite President Edgar Lungu making Zambia’s position on gayism clear, US Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote has decided to go against diplomatic etiquette, by continuing to issue a statement on the matter.
And, Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya has reiterated that the position of the Government on gayism, is the position of the people of Zambia who are simply asking for their religious and cultural values to be respected.
Ms Siliya says government notes with deep regret the statement by Ambassador Foote on gayism and other issues in his press briefing today.
She says it has always been the understanding that diplomats do not represent their capitals when they attempt to supplant overnight people’s fundamental values and culture in countries they serve.
Ms Siliya told ZNBC News in a statement that government and the people of Zambia have enjoyed longstanding cordial relations with the people and the Government of the United States of America.
She said the collaboration in many spheres, among them business, education, water and sanitation, health and others, has always been considered a partnership between friends.
Ms Siliya said any difference of opinion on any matter, has always been expected to be amicably resolved, including agreeing to disagree.
She said it is Governmen’s t belief, and confidence that the people and the Government of the United States of America whose many values are shared, will continue to support the people of Zambia as they have always done.
Ms Siliya also stressed that the Zambian people have never taken for granted the support from the people of the United States of America.
In commemoration of the Worlds Aids Day on 1st December, Ms Siliya said the people of Zambia and their Government recognise in particular the support of the government and people of the United States of America in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
She said Government is also grateful for the latest report by the Millenium Challenge Account and released by the USA Embassy in Lusaka on 13th November, 2019 where they recognised Zambia’s effort in democratic rights, control of corruption and investment in the people of Zambia.
And Ms Siliya said it is government’s hope that diplomats serving in Zambia including Ambassador Foote, will use diplomatic channels through the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express their opinions and position on matters of mutual interest.
She said that Zambians have consistently made their position clear on the inclusion of the death penalty to be maintained, and exclusion of multiple sexual orientation except between a man and a woman in any constitution making process.
Ms Siliya said it is for this reason that all successive governments have never decriminalised homosexuality in the penal code of Zambia.