The British Government has joined other foreign powers in calling on the Zambian authorities to charge or release the former president, Kenneth Kaunda.

Mr Kaunda was arrested on Christmas Day in connection with an attempted coup in October, even though he was out of the country at the time.

The arrest and detention of Mr Kaunda has provoked worldwide condemnation.

South Africa has called for the matter to be resolved quickly in the interests of Zambia and the region, and the United States and the Commonwealth have also expressed concern over the detention.

General Wezi Kaunda, son of Kenneth Kaunda: "No idea of his whereabouts" (0' 49")

The White House on Friday issued a statement asking the government to release Mr Kaunda "in the spirit of reconciliation and peace."

Mr Kaunda, 73, led Zambia to independence in 1964. He was defeated at the polls by current President Frederick Chiluba in 1991.

He now leads the opposition United National Independence Party (UNIP) but has been barred from running for president again by constitutional amendments.

Junior officers' October coup was easily overpowered

The Zambian Government has confirmed that Mr Kaunda is being held in jail.

After a brief appearance in court on Friday, he was flown by helicopter to an unknown destination. Relatives say they fear for his life.

Mr Kaunda is refusing food and water in protest against his detention.

He returned to Zambia last week having left before junior army officers staged an unsuccessful coup attempt on October 28.

President Chiluba imposed a state of emergency after the attempted take-over and ordered the indefinite detention of about 90 opposition figures.

UNIP has denied any connection with the disaffected army officers.

Some opposition leaders believe that the government staged the coup itself to justify a political crackdown.

For Mr Kaunda's supporters, there is now an anxious wait. The court is scheduled to sit again on Monday.
 

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