By Xinhua,
Lusaka : Leader of Zambia’s opposition Patriotic Front (PF) Michael Sata said Friday that he will not U-turn on his reconciliation deal with Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa, according to local media Saturday.
PF secretary general Edward Mumbi said the shift in Sata’s policy regarding his reconciliation with President Mwanawasa represented the party position. Sata met President Mwanawasa at State House Wednesday to thank him for facilitating his evacuation to South Africa for treatment following his severe heart attack two weeks ago.
In the first meeting for many years between the two bitter rivals, Mwanawasa welcomed Sata’s gesture to work together saying he has always wanted the opposition to work with him to develop the country for the benefit of all Zambians.
Sata who has been a fierce critic of Mwanawasa from the time he entered State House as republican president over seven years ago, described the one and half hour private meeting with Mwanawasa as fruitful.
Sata said whatever differences between him and President Mwanawasa is now history and that it was time for the two leaders to build confidence and trust in each other for the benefit of the country.
At a joint press briefing at State House after their closed door talks, Sata said a new atmosphere has been created free from suspicion as the two leaders will now have direct access to each other. For his part, Mwanawasa said his meeting with PF leader at State House was one of the most important days during his seven years in power.