Britain, UK will miss Lungu, says Envoy

Britain, UK will miss Lungu, says Envoy

By Tony Nkhoma

FORMER president Edgar Lungu was a statesman who contributed immensely to his country, British High Commissioner to Zambia Rebbeca Terzeon has said.

Terzeon said under his reign Lungu had consolidated the relationship between the United Kingdom (UK) and Zambia.

“And as strong partners of Zambia we stand together with the Zambian people at this time in mourning His Excellency late Edgar Lungu,” Terzeon said.

She said this in an interview with The Mast shortly after signing a book of condolences at Belvedere Lodge in Lusaka yesterday.

Terzeon said Lungu would be deeply missed not only by his family and the party he belonged to, but even by Britain.

She said Britain and the UK strongly recognised and appreciated the great contributions Lungu had made in his time as president of Zambia.

“I’ve just signed the book of condolences on behalf of the British High Commission in Zambia and of the people of the United Kingdom. We recognise the contribution that former President Edgar Lungu made in his time as president,” Terzeon said.

And United State (US) Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales has expressed sadness at the demise of Lungu.

“To the family of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and the Zambian people, it is with a heavy heart that I convey my deepest condolences to the family of Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the sixth president of the Republic of Zambia, and to the Zambian people on the passing of president Lungu. I share the condolences of the American people, the United States government and Embassy team, and myself,” Gonzales said.

“Over my time in Zambia, I had the pleasure to engage regularly with president Lungu. Over long discussions, we discussed a vision for a strong, prosperous Zambia, the challenges facing the people and how the United States can help Zambia realise its potential.”

Gonzales urged Zambians to find comfort in the legacy Lungu had left.

“My thoughts are with the loved ones of the president and all Zambians during this difficult time. May you find comfort in president Lungu’s legacy and the support of those around you,” Gonzales said.

Lungu died at the age of 68 in South Africa last Thursday and his remains are yet to be repatriated as his family and the Patriotic Front (PF), the party he led, on one hand and the government on the other wrangle over his funeral.