LUSAKA, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government on Wednesday said it was important for diplomats accredited to the country to observe diplomatic etiquette even as they comment on issues in the country.
Dora Siliya, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, said the government expected diplomats to use diplomatic channels in airing their views on various issues happening in the country.
Commenting on British High Commissioner Fergus Cochrane-Dyet who has been tweeting strong remarks on various issues in Zambia such as corruption, political violence and bad governance, the Zambian minister said the government appreciates the views from cooperating partners but noted that this should be done using established diplomatic channels.
The minister, who is also the chief government spokesperson, said she will liaise with her foreign affairs counterpart on the conduct of the British envoy but noted that the government has no intention of deporting him.
The governing Patriotic Front (PF) has expressed reservations over the conduct of the British envoy and has warned that he risked being expelled if he continued with his attacks on government in his tweets.
In April this year, the government expelled Cuban Ambassador Nelson Pages Vilas after he attended the launch of a new political party and made some unwelcome remarks at the event.