U.S. Ambassador Booth Speaks Out
Chiluba Corruption Cases
September 4, 2009
Q. What is your reaction to the acquittal of former President Chiluba? Do you believe the court’s decision should be appealed?
A.
• The Zambian government’s pursuit of criminal and civil cases against former president Frederick Chiluba and other senior government officials demonstrated seriousness about combating corruption and that no one should be considered above the law.
• We are following events connected with the Chiluba criminal judgment and the Task Force on Corruption with great interest.
• What is important is that serious efforts to combat corruption at all levels continue to be pursued vigorously and effectively. We have an ongoing dialogue with the government on corruption.
• The Zambian people have a right to honest and effective stewardship of Zambia’s public resources.
Q. What do you think of the removal of Max Nkole as Chairman of the Task Force?
A.
• The Task Force under Mr. Nkole’s leadership did a commendable job tackling corruption that fell within the Task Force’s mandate.
• What is important is that serious efforts to combat corruption at all levels continue to be pursued vigorously and effectively without political interference.
Media Regulation
September 4, 2009
• “Americans believe a free and independent press, one that is able to question and criticize government actions and policies, is fundamental to any democracy.”
• “It is important that Zambians inform themselves, debate the issues and advocate for the media freedoms they desire. The United States supports all those who stand for free, responsible and independent press.”
• “As U.S. President Barack Obama said on World Press Freedom Day: …in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (is) the fundamental principle that everyone ‘has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.’"