Zambia: Lungu to talk with imprisoned opposition leader

By Francis Maingaila LUSAKA (AA) – Zambian President Edgar Lungu has agreed to speak with opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema to end months of rivalry following last August's disputed presidential election.Presidential spokesman Amos Chanda told journalists that the Catholic bishops met Lungu on Friday to discuss the possibilities of a dialogue.“The president not only agreed to dialogue but has also allowed the bishops to meet Hichilema at Mukobeko Maximum Security Prison where he is detained on treason charges to discuss dialogue and reconcile with him," said Chanda. Lungu had vowed never to speak with individuals or institutions refusing to recognize his election. The opposition UPND where Hichilema is president has been refusing to recognize the legitimacy of Lungu's election until a petition, which was rejected by the constitutional court on a technicality, is heard.Hakainde Hichilema was jailed on April 10 after being accused of conspiring to overthrow the government.