SANAC executive director Gregory Chifire has charged that former Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert’s visit to Zambia has further damaged the country’s reputation because he’s an advocate of corruption.

And Chifire has questioned what benefit Zambia will derive from Olmert’s visit adding that it cannot be a mere coincidence that he has decided to call on President Edgar Lungu, a man with a soft spot for corruption.

In a statement issued to News Diggers! yesterday, Chifire stated that Olmert’s visit had further damaged Zambia’s reputation in the eyes of the international community because the former Israeli Prime Minister only left prison last year.

He concluded that Olmert’s call on President Lungu was not a mere coincidence, charging that the two where upto cutting corruption deals.

“Former Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert’s visit to Zambia has further damaged our reputation in the eyes of the international community because the man was released from prison for corruption and obstruction of Justice not long ago. It cannot be a mere coincidence that Olmert, a proponent of corruption, decides to visit President Lungu, a man that has soft spot for corruption. Zambians would be justified to conclude that the two where upto cutting corruption deals,” he stated.

“The Bible is very clear in Amos 3:3, it says that two cannot walk together, unless they agree. Surely our President must have a common interest with Mr. Olmert which is very obvious and it’s everyone’s guess.”

And Chifire wondered what benefit Zambia would derive from Olmert’s visit adding that President Lungu was the official image of Zambia and whoever he made friends with was viewed as a friend of the country.

“Zambians have been left to wonder as to what benefit Zambia will derive from Olmert ‘s visit. It is clear that this visit has frightening illicit benefits for President Lungu. President Lungu should understand that as President, he is the official image of Zambia and whoever he makes friends with is viewed as a friend of Zambia, and consequently reflects what sort of people we are. It is said that show me your friends, and I will tell your personality,” he stated.

“The President’s team would do well to inform Zambians about other heads of states Mr. Olmert has visited after his release from Prison. We know that in the past we have had former prisoners like struggle stalwart Nelson Mandela who took a first foreign trip to Zambia, we all know the good reason. But as the reason for Olmert, we have to be convinced.”