A day after the former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda called for new elections, Zambia's incumbent president, Frederick Chiluba, has defended the introduction of a state of emergency.

In a speech at the opening of the Zambian parliament, Mr Chiluba said the state of emergency had not interferred with the life of the nation.

He congratulated the troops who quelled last October's coup attempt, which he said could have plunged the country into chaos.

Mr Kaunda is challenging a house arrest order imposed on him amid allegations that he was connected with the coup attempt, which he denies.

Stressing a need for political dialogue, Mr Chiluba said irresponsible politicians were spreading a bad picture abroad of Zambia in crisis and talks were stalled because of Mr Kaunda's arrest.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

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