Zambia supports idea of forming United States of Africa

LUSAKA, Jan. 31, 2009 (Xinhua)

Zambian President Rupiah Banda has said Zambia supports the idea of forming the United States of Africa which aims at enhancing peace and unity on the Africa continent, Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) reported on Saturday.

Speaking Saturday at the Lusaka International Airport shortly before departure for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to attend the 12th African Union heads of state and government summit, President Banda said his government would support the formation of the United States of Africa.

He said since Zambia is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), it will support efforts of the SADC organ to implement the United States of Africa.

Banda said the idea of the United States of Africa is to foster unity, peace, security and enhance economic development on the continent.

Meanwhile, President Banda expressed happiness at the manner the Zimbabwe ruling ZANU-PF and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) are resolving their political differences in the country, according to ZANIS.

Banda said he is overwhelmed to see the two political parties working towards forming a government of national unity, a move he said will end the political impasse in neighbouring Zimbabwe.

He said the Zambian government will support all efforts meant to resolve political differences in that country especially that Zambia has a lot to share with Zimbabwe.