Zambia's first president Kenneth Kaunda has accused the
West of being hostile towards Zimbabwe because of envy of the country's
wealth.
Mr Kaunda, who led Zambia to independence in 1964
from Britain, spoke strongly against sanctions that have been imposed on
Zimbabwe by Western countries.
"Zambia and Zimbabwe have been together since the
days of exploitation," Mr Kaunda said when Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF
delegation called on him in Lusaka on Tuesday.
"The exploiters (West) are now very hard on Zimbabwe because of the immense resources your country has.
"Let's continue fighting for our interests in
Africa. Those who had land in that country realised billions of dollars
out of it."
He said there was no need to demonise Zimbabwean veteran ruler Mugabe, whose inauguration for the seventh term he attended.
Mr Kaunda, 89, is considered an icon in the liberation struggle, especially in the SADC region.
Recent election
He praised Zambia President Michael Sata for
embracing President Mugabe at the recent UN General Assembly, where some
US delegates staged a walkout after he said "shame, shame, shame" on
the West for continuing sanctions on Zimbabwe.
Local media reported that after the speech, President Sata rose from his chair to hug his counterpart for a "good speech".
Mr Kaunda said he was confident the future of Zimbabwe was "shaping up".
Zanu-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity
Rugare Gumbo said Mr Kaunda remained an icon of Zimbabwe and regional
revolutions.
Mr Gumbo recounted how Mr Kaunda housed Zimbabweans when they were under attack from colonial forces.
He said Zimbabwe was largely a peaceful country even after the election.
Mr Gumbo praised the recent election in Zimbabwe, which was won by Zanu-PF.
SOURCE: AFRICA REVIEW
SOURCE: AFRICA REVIEW
