Political parties and veteran politicians of Zambia have expressed deep sorrow and grief at the death of President Levy Mwanawasa, who died Tuesday morning in the Percy Military Hospital in Paris in France after being hospitalized there for more than a month, according to Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS).
Former vice president Enoch Kavindele described the death of Mwanawasa as a great loss to the nation.
"I am very saddened about the loss of our president. I had the pleasure of working with him," he was quoted as saying.
Kavindele said he hoped that Mwanawasa's economic emancipation which he was working for would not be disturbed.
He said Mwanawasa had devoted his time to fighting poverty in the country which had already borne fruits.
"Zambians must keep calm and maintain peace. The loss of a president is not easy," he said.
Kavindele was the first vice president of late Mwanawasa's first term beginning 2001.
Retired politician Sikota Wina told ZANIS that the death of Mwanawasa was a disaster of the greatest magnitude to the nation.
" Dr. Mwanawasa had already made a very firm stamp on the nation, he had a direction into which we were all going," he said.
He said "let us all pull ourselves and continue where he left."
Opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) expressed great sadness at the death of Mwanawasa saying it was a sad development to the nation.
UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema called on Zambians to mourn the late president with dignity and honor because he did a lot of things to the country.
"Let us remain united as Zambians," he was quoted as saying.
The United National Independence Party's Vice President Njekwa Anamela said the death of the president was a tragedy that touched all Zambians.
Bishop John Mambo said Zambians should put aside their political differences and mourn the late president in a calm and peaceful manner.
Mwanawasa, who would turn 60 in several months, suffered a stroke on June 29 in Sharm-el-Sheik, Egypt, where he was to attend the African Union summit. He was admitted into Sharm-el-Sheik International Hospital and transferred on July 1 to the Percy Military Hospital in Paris.
Source:Xinhua
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