Zamtel takeover leaves LAP GreenN deeply worried...........as President Sata announces total repossession of the telecoms firm.

TUESDAY, January 24, 2012 – By John Chola LAP GreenN says it is deeply worried by today’s announcement by the Zambian Government that it has reversed its acquisition of 75% in Zamtel. Chairman of LAP GreenN, Wafik Alshater has told this newswire in a statement a while ago that: “Our primary concern now is for our talented workforce, and for our one million subscribers who rely on our services to conduct their businesses and speak to their families and friends.” Mr. Alshater laments that over the last few weeks, they have made numerous attempts to find an amicable solution that satisfies all the parties involved and secures the best possible outcome for employees and subscribers. “We regret that the Zambian Government has not given us an opportunity to meet and discuss this matter,” Mr. Alshater laments. He says under LAP GreenN ownership, Zamtel has moved from a state of near insolvency to become a national success story. As well as growing Zamtel’s subscriber base by over 600% in just over 18 months, and created 1700 jobs in Zambia. “As we have stated all along, LAP GreenN categorically rejects any allegations of wrong-doing during the acquisition of its 75% stake in Zamtel. Our acquisition was made through an open, transparent and competitive bidding process, overseen by well-respected international professional organisations and in strict adherence to Zambia’s established legal framework,” insists Alshater. He says LAP GreenN still hope this situation can still be amicably resolved. “We welcome an opportunity to work with the Zambian Government to achieve this,” reiterates Alshater. LAP GreenN is the telecommunications investment arm of Libyan African Portfolio (LAP), focusing on the telecommunications sector in emerging markets. It operates mobile, fixed and ISP telecommunications businesses in Uganda, Zambia, Ivory Coast and South Sudan and has licenses to operate in an additional five countries. LAP GreenN is actively seeking to increase its footprint across Africa and the Middle East. Earlier today Zambia’s President Michael Sata announced that government having accepted without reservation the report on the findings of the Committee Investigating the sale of Zamtel, as President of the Republic of Zambia deemed it desirable and expedient to compulsorily acquire the 75 per cent shareholding of Lap Green Network in Zamtel. Mr. Sata said henceforth the appropriate notice under the law had been given. The President said consequently he had ordered the dissolution of the Board of Directors of Zamtel. Mr Sata has appointed Dr Mupanga Mwanakatwe, Chairman and acting Chief Executive Officer as a first step to regularize the affairs of the company. A new board will soon be put in place to give the policy guidance and direction to management and staff. President Sata has further directed management to address the plight of Zamtel workers with due immediacy. “There should be no loss in jobs except through retirement and attrition while maintaining the highest levels of discipline and respect of law,” President Sata said. “Zamtel workers have served with distinction in an area of sophisticated information technology. This has been so from the inception of the company.” President Sata declared his relentless commitment to his duty as custodian of the interests of the Zambian people and assured the Zamtel workers their traumas and anxieties would be ended. Government will restructure ownership of Zamtel to ensure Zambians owned the bulk of the shares in a revitalized Zamtel. Ends.

LAP GreenN describe allegations of money laundering by Zamtel as utterly false.

By John Chola - January 21/01/2012 LAP GreenN, the Libyan Telecoms company that bought 75 percent shares in Zamtel has described allegations of money laundering by Zamtel as utterly false. Meanwhile, LAP GreenN say Zamtel has confirmed that the Zambian authorities have seized bank accounts belonging to the company. "This is in connection with allegations of money laundering, which are utterly false. Zamtel has initiated proceedings against the measures. For the record, the authorities have no reasonable grounds whatsoever to believe that the moneys in the seized accounts and any other Zamtel accounts are from the proceeds of criminal activity. Zamtel’s accounts only contain moneys directly related to its activities as a communications service provider," states a statement issued by Alex Margot-Duclot of Portland Communications on behalf of LAP GreenN. He adds that aside from anything else, the Zambian Government remains a shareholder in Zamtel and as such has representation on the Board of Directors who have access to and knowledge of the accounts. LAP GreenN claims that Zamtel’s accounts are audited every quarter and the Government is aware and knows the result of these audit reports, which make very clear that there is and has been absolutely no wrongdoing.Zamtel is currently engaging the relevant authorities in an effort to have its accounts unblocked. "We are also currently working on avenues for the amicable resolution of matters. Services to Zamtel’s clients are not affected,” LAP GreenN assured.Ends....

LAP GreenN finally takes legal action against Zambian government over planned repossession of its acquired 75% shares in Zamtel.

By John Chola, 19 January 2011 - Lusaka Zambia. LAP GreenN, a Libyan government's telecoms company alleged to have fraudurantly acquired the 75% shares in Zambia's Zamtel has finally taken legal action against the repported plans by the Zambian government to repossess the company.lAP GreenN says this is in response to continued unsubstantiated news reports appearing in the Zambian media regarding LAP GreenN's purchase of its 75% stake in Zamtel. Alex Margot-Duclot of portland communications has told this newswire via telephone from London that newly appointed Chairman of LAP GreenN, Wafik Alshater, has announced that: "LAP GreenN is being subjected to a concerted campaign of misinformation via the Zambian media. The wilful misrepresentation of LAP GreenN has forced the company to explore legal options to protect its reputation."LAP GreenN categorically rejects any allegations of wrong-doing during the acquisition of its 75% stake in Zamtel. At all times LAP GreenN followed due process, facilitated by a consortium of internationally renowned professional service companies, including Standard Bank, Denton Wilde Sapte and KPMG South Africa. The open and competitive bid process was overseen by the Zambian Development Agency and included the direct involvement of the Attorney General and international legal advisers, Simmons and Simmons." Mr. Alshater claims in a statement that the 75% stake sold to LAP GreenN in June 2010 for US$257 million (ZK1.37 trillion) constituted the highest amount ever paid for a privatisation in Zambia and was at the time one of the higher valuations for a telecoms asset in Africa.He adds that accusations that Zamtel was undervalued at the point of sale are completely baseless."Zamtel is a successful turnaround story and we remain very keen to cooperate with our partners in Zambia to ensure the continued growth and success of the company." he insists. LAP GreenN is the telecommunications investment arm of Libyan African Portfolio (LAP), focusing on the telecommunications sector in emerging markets. It operates mobile, fixed and ISP telecommunications businesses in Uganda, Zambia, Ivory Coast and South Sudan and has licenses to operate in an additional five countries. LAP GreenN is actively seeking to increase its footprint across Africa and the Middle East.ENDS

PRESIDENT SATA PUBLISHES BAROTSELAND AGREEMENT FOR PUBLIC SCRUTINY

LUSAKA, Sunday, January 15, 2012 By John Chola Zambia’s President Michael Sata, has decided and directed the publicising of the controversial Barotseland Agreement of 196. Spokesperson in the Presidency office George Chellah said in a statement January, 13, 2012 that the decision to publicise the Barotseland Agreement of 1964 was to enable citizens understand and appreciate the contents therein. “During the meeting with our colleagues, the representatives of the Linyungandambo, Barotse Freedom Movement and the Movement for the Restoration of Barotseland, we promised to avail this document to the public,” President Sata says. President Sata says his government hopes that publicising the Barotseland Agreement would enable the Zambian people to read and comprehend the contents of the document. He also believes that the publication of the document will also enable the general populace to have wider comments over the same. Last month President Sata met the Barotse activists at State House to seek greater dialogue on the issue of the Barotseland Agreement of 1964. The President said there have been misunderstandings on the issue and promised to publish the document to dispel these misinterpretations. President Sata says only dialogue will save the country and its people. The President further said that government did not want to spill blood over the Barotseland Agreement, adding that he was not interested in engaging in a confrontation like the previous MMD government did. Ends.

LAP GeenN sees positive future for Zamtel under the joint ownership

LUSAKA, Saturday, January 14, 2012 By John Chola LAP GreenN say that they see a very positive future for Zamtel under the joint ownership by LAP GreenN and the Zambian Government. Chairman LAP GreenN, Wafik Shater, told this newswire in a statement that they look forward to further growing the business and to continue making a major contribution to the Zambian economy through Zamtel. Shater says LAP GreenN is deeply committed to the future of Zamtel. He says LAP GreenN is keen that the current situation is resolved as soon as possible. He said since acquiring Zamtel for US$257 million in June 2010 they have quadrupled its subscriber base, securing more than 800,000 subscribers by the start of January 2012. Shater says because of LAP GreenN investment Zamtel has now become a vibrant Telecoms firm helping to strengthen the Zambian telecommunications sector through competition and choice. Since June 2010, over 1700 jobs have been created at Zamtel and with its distributors, Shater added. The LAP GreeN Chairperson has since welcomed any opportunity to work with the Michael Sata led government to secure a swift and positive outcome that benefits both Zambia and Zamtel. ENDS

PRESIDENT SATA DIRECTS JUSTICE MINISTER TO MAKE ZAMTEL REPORT PUBLIC

LUSAKA, Saturday, January 14, 2012 By John Chola Zambia’s President Michael Sata (lest) has directed his Minister of Justice Sebastian Zulu to immediately release to the public the report into the sale of Zamtel. The Presidency, in a satatement released a while ago and signed by his special assiatance for press and public relations, George Chellah, says the release of the report to the public is in order to protect public interest and curb blantant lies from shameless detractors. President Sata says the Commission of Inquiry that he constituted to probe the sale of Zamtel came out with brilliantly documented submissions which the public should see. “Since we have not released the Report to the public, our detractors and perpetrators of crimes against Zambia and its citizens have had a field day, regrettably supported by some sections of the media and opposition political party leaders who for strange reasons have axes to grind against the Patriotic Front Government,” President Sata says. The President adds: “to protect public interest and to insulate our people against blantant lies I direct that we release the Report with due immediacy”. Mr. Sata has also directed that all foreign missions in Zambia be furnished with the Report. The President wants the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send a copy of the same Report to the Libyan Government using the fastest route. According to Mr. Sata the Minister of Finance Alexander Chikwanda stands ready to aid the process should any financial needs involved in this exercise go beyond the Ministry of Justice’s allocation. Ends.

China says it attaches importance to Africa’s concerns and interests – Foreign Minister

Lusaka, January 7, 2012/ Posted by John Chola as sourced from China – Ministry of Foreign Affairs 1. Foreign Minister Yang, how would you characterize your visit to the three African countries? What impressed you the most during this African trip at the beginning of the new year? I have visited the three African countries of Cote d’Ivoire, Niger and Namibia upon invitation at the beginning of the new year. During the visit, I had sincere and in-depth exchange of views with leaders and foreign ministers of the three countries on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of shared interest. We also held discussions and reached broad consensus on implementing the outcomes of the fourth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and on issues concerning the fifth FOCAC Ministerial Conference to be held in China this year. The visit has achieved the goal of enhancing political mutual trust, promoting practical cooperation and carrying forward traditional friendship. Three things have impressed me the most. First, the African countries have always taken it as their fundamental task to pursue stability, development and solidarity. Over the past year, Africa has maintained peace, stability and development on the whole. At the same time, there have been growing destabilizing factors and uncertainties, and hotspot issues in Africa have become more pronounced. The increased external intervention has affected peace and stability in Africa. African countries cherish their hard-won peace and stability, and they are focusing on growing the economy and improving people’s livelihood. They have an even stronger desire to seek strength through unity and resolve regional issues on their own. Second, while African countries need to rely on themselves to achieve development, the international community should continue to offer help and support to Africa. Africa is rich in resources and energy, and has a huge market and great development potential. The African economy is getting onto the track of steady and fast growth, as the majority of countries have restored the level of development prior to the international financial crisis. African countries and people are demonstrating greater confidence about their development prospects. Though the impact of the international financial crisis is still being felt, the international community, particularly Western developed countries, should not reduce help to and input in Africa. Instead, they should make greater effort to help Africa maintain sound development and create a more favorable external environment for Africa. Third, African countries share a stronger wish to strengthen cooperation with China, and have proposed to broaden the scope, increase the scale and upgrade the level of our cooperation. This will go a long way in boosting China-Africa cooperation. As a true friend and partner of Africa, China will, as always, attach importance to Africa’s concerns and interests. We will support African countries in their efforts to independently resolve African issues, seek balanced economic and social development and uphold their own legitimate rights and interests in international affairs through unity. We will make even greater contribution to peace and development in Africa and to the common development of China and Africa. 2. How would you comment on the development of China-Africa relations in 2011? And how do you see the strategic significance of China-Africa relations under the current international situation? In recent years, China-Africa relations have maintained the sound momentum of comprehensive and in-depth development, and displayed strong vitality and great potential. Our traditional friendship has been strengthened, our mutual understanding and trust have been deepened and our interests have become more closely interconnected. Over the past year, China has made vigorous efforts to step up exchanges and cooperation with African countries in various fields and achieved fresh progress in advancing the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership. The two sides have further enhanced political mutual trust and maintained frequent high-level exchanges. More than ten Party and state leaders of China, including Mr. Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the National People’s Congress, and Mr. Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, visited Africa. Over ten African heads of state or government visited China or attended important events in China. China intensified dialogue, exchanges and cooperation at various levels with African countries, the African Union (AU) and other sub-regional organizations in Africa. The two sides maintained close communication and coordination on peace and security in Africa as well as on climate change, the WTO Doha Round negotiations, reform of the international financial system and other major global issues, with a view to jointly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and making the international political and economic order more just and equitable. China-Africa trade and economic cooperation have made new progress. China continued to provide assistance to African countries within its capability. The AU Convention Center built by China was completed at the end of last year. This is the largest project that China has built for Africa. The Chinese government offered emergency food aid to the Horn of Africa to help the region cope with the famine. China is now Africa’s largest trading partner. Chinese investment in Africa is growing rapidly. There are a total of more than 2,000 Chinese enterprises of various types in Africa. The eighth Senior Officials Meeting of FOCAC was successfully held. African countries speak highly of the implementation of the follow-up actions to the fourth FOCAC Ministerial Conference. The joining of two new members, the AU Commission and the newly independent Republic of South Sudan, has made the FOCAC even more representative. China-Africa people-to-people and cultural exchanges have notably increased. China-Africa Young Leaders Forum, People’s Forum, the Think-Tank Forum and the Science and Technology Forum have been established respectively, ushering a new phase of China-Africa people-to-people and cultural exchanges. To strengthen friendly relations and cooperation with Africa is not only in in keeping with the profound traditional friendship between the two sides, but also a long-term and firm strategic choice made by China. Sincere friendship, equality and mutual benefit are the defining features of China-Africa relationship. They are characteristic of the relations between developing countries, namely, mutual support and common development. Based on these principles, China-Africa relations have withstood the test of international vicissitudes and continued to forge ahead over the past 50 years and more. We will be firmly committed to these principles in the years ahead. Given the major changes in the international situation and international relations, to further enhance unity and cooperation between China and Africa is of strategic importance. It will not only serve the common interest of China and Africa, but also contribute to the development of developing countries as a whole and make international relations more democratic. 3. How do you see the prospects of China-Africa relations? What will be the highlights of China-Africa relations this year? This year is an important year for China and Africa to build on past achievements and strive for new progress in our relations. We will have new opportunities for strengthening cooperation. In the meantime, the profound and complex changes in the international landscape will also bring challenges to China-Africa relations. China stands ready to work with African countries to remove interference from the outside and address the various problems constraining the development of China-Africa relations. We will push forward the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership with the following efforts. First, we will maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges between China and Africa. Second, we will continue to give full play to the leading role of FOCAC. Third, we will take a more active part in affairs crucial to Africa’s peace and security. We will continue to firmly support African countries in their endeavor to independently choose development paths suited to their national conditions. Fourth, we will further strengthen unity and cooperation with Africa in international affairs. 4. This year is the “wrap-up year” for implementing the outcomes of the fourth FOCAC Ministerial Conference. Could you shed some light on the progress made in this regard? What are your considerations for the fifth Ministerial Conference to be held in China this year? Building on the full implementation of the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit in 2006, Premier Wen Jiabao announced eight new measures for advancing China-Africa practical cooperation at the fourth FOCAC Ministerial Conference in 2009, covering such areas as climate change, environmental protection, investment promotion, debt relief, expanded market access, people-to-people and cultural exchanges as well as cooperation in agriculture, science and technology, education, health and other fields. This has charted the course for China-Africa relations and mapped out the priority areas of China-Africa cooperation under the new circumstances. Over the past two years and more, the two sides have made joint and vigorous efforts to push forward the implementation of the follow-up actions of the fourth Ministerial Conference on all fronts. Cooperation programs such as China-Africa Science and Technology Partnership Plan and China-Africa Joint Research and Exchange Plan have made steady progress. Debt cancellation, tariff exemption, preferential loans, special loans for African SME development and other related measures are being implemented. Agreements to send agricultural technology teams, build agricultural technology demonstration centers, China-Africa friendship schools and clean energy projects, and provide medical equipments and malaria-fighting materials are being carried out in an orderly way. Training programs in science and technology, agriculture, education and health are being conducted, and the number of African students coming to China on Chinese scholarships has notably increased. China-African Agriculture Cooperation Forum, the first and second FOCAC Legal Forum, African Culture in Focus, Cooperation Plan for Chinese and African Institutions of Higher Learning and other major activities and programs have been held. Follow-up actions in other fields are also being carried out. All these have ensured the all-round development of China-Africa cooperation. The fifth FOCAC Ministerial Conference will be held in China this year. The conference will make a full review of the implementation of the follow-up actions of the fourth Ministerial Conference, and map out plans for China-Africa cooperation in the next phase. This will be the first ministerial conference since FOCAC entered its second decade. It will be of special importance for us to build on past achievements and seek new progress. As the host of the conference, China will maintain close consultation and coordination with the African members of the Forum. We will work together to fully implement the follow-up actions of the fourth Ministerial Conference and make good preparations for the fifth Ministerial Conference to ensure its success. In this way, we will further push forward the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership. End…////

LAP GreenN declares war against any maneuvers by the Zambian government to seize its "legally" acquired 75 per cent stake in Zamtel

By John Chola – Lusaka - Zambia 07/ 01/2012 LAP GreenN, the Libyan owned telecommunications network, is deeply concerned about news reports that the Zambian Government is moving to seize the 75 per cent stake in Zamtel held by LAP GreenN. Newly appointed Chairman of LAP GreenN, Wafik Alshater (top right), has told this news wire in a statement January 7, 2012 that his company bought its stake in Zamtel in June 2010 for US$257 million (ZK1.37 trillion) following an open, transparent and competitive bid process that was overseen by the Zambian Development Agency. Erin Godbold of UK’s Portland Communications has confirmed with this news wire in a telephone interview from UK that LAP GreenN is has vowed to do “everything possible” to fight for ownership of “legally” acquired stake in Zambia’s Telecom – Zamtel. “Zamtel is now a Zambian success story. Since LAP GreenN’s acquisition, Zamtel has attracted over 400,000 new customers and grown its market share from 3% to 11%. Furthermore, we have committed to investing US$129 million (ZK670 billion) in Zamtel over two years to create a truly competitive and world class telecommunications company,” says Wafik Alshater. He adds that LAP GreenN is now under new leadership as part of broader changes in Libya. “The new management is determined to safeguard its legally acquired assets which ultimately belong to the Libyan people, who fought a bitter war of liberation in 2011. We will pursue all options and do everything possible to retain our stake in Zamtel – a highly prestigious part of our pan-African network,” affirms Alshater. He adds that: “We hope these reports are untrue, as this situation will not only be damaging to the telecoms industry in Zambia but would also send the wrong signal to those looking to invest in this country. LAP GreenN looks forward to continuing to develop Zamtel into a leading telecoms company, working with its partner in this investment, the Zambian Government.” LAP GreenN is the telecommunications investment arm of Libyan African Portfolio (LAP), focusing on the telecommunications sector in emerging markets like Zambia. It operates mobile and internet service provider (ISP) businesses in Uganda, Zambia, Ivory Coast and South Sudan. According to its Chairman, Alshater, LAP GreenN is actively seeking to increase its footprint across Africa and the Middle East End…///