 Zambia mourns its president
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-21 08:32 Zambia's Parliament suspended its session, sporting events were canceled, even a doctors' strike was called off as the nation mourned its president.
Zambians wept on the streets of the capital as they received news of 59-year-old President Levy Mwanawasa's death on Tuesday in the French military hospital where he had been treated since suffering a stroke in June. It was not yet clear when Mwanawasa's body would be flown back to Zambia or when the funeral would be held. The Zambian flag flew at half staff throughout the country yesterday, and radio and television stations replaced normal programs with messages of condolence. Among those aired was a message from the founding president of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda. Vice-President Rupiah Banda was expected to continue as acting president until an election that must be held within 90 days. Parliament was suspended indefinitely, and weekend sports matches were canceled. Junior doctors at the country's main hospital suspended a strike for higher wages that had been going on for more than a week. US President George W. Bush on Tuesday praised Mwanawasa for speaking out against human rights abuses and threats to democracy "when many others were silent." At home, Zambians say Mwanawasa will be remembered for his anti-corruption crusade and his economic successes. China sends condolence Chinese expressed its condolence over Mwanawasa's death to the Zambian government and people yesterday. "President Mwanawasa was an outstanding leader and politician, who has made great contributions to regional stability and development", Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a regular press conference. Agencies (China Daily 08/21/2008 page21) |
