By Brenda Zulu

President Rupiah Banda, who is Commander In-chief of the Armed Forces of Zambia, said his government was working hard to improve the conditions of service for the defence and security personnel.

He said this on 10th January 2009 when he held a scheduled Defence Council Meeting where various issues concerning the welfare of the defence and security personnel were discussed.

He appealed to political leaders to desist from using issues involving the Security and Defence Forces for their political propaganda, which could bring unnecessary discontent in the nation.

President Banda noted with sadness the trend by some opposition leaders who have continued issuing careless statements that border on inciting the Defence and Security personnel by claiming that government was not addressing the problems affecting them.

President Banda said his government through the Defence Council has addressed several issues concerning the Security and Defence Forces, including, accommodation and the general welfare of the entire personnel. He said issues concerning senior officers on contracts have also been tackled by his government.

President Banda said he has held two meetings with the Defence Council within two months after he was elected President of Zambia because he attaches great importance to the welfare of the Defence Forces.