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GV Pres. Kaunda taking seat in television studio
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SV Technicians
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SV President Kaunda preparing for speech
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CU President on monitor and at desk (2 shots)
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SVs Technicians and officials watch as Kaunda delivers speech (3 shots)
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PRESIDENT KAUNDA IN TELEVISION STUDIO: TECHNICIANS AND OFFICIALS WATCHING: PRESIDENT KAUNDA DELIVERING SPEECH.




Initials BB/1600 GB/AH/BB/1615



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Zambian President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda declared a full State of Emergency in his country on Wednesday night (28 January) to counter what he called a "grave security situation in the nation".

The President said his Government was taking the powers necessary to put itself "in a position to counter any moves to destroy our country".

He said the emergency powers were imperative because the deteriorating situation on Zambia's borders and growing proof of internal subversion.

In a television and radio address to the nation, President Kaunda said: "We as a nation must prepare for the worst. We are at War. Make no mistake. There is foreign interference in our country".

In a reference to the civil war in Angola, Dr. Kaunda said: "A plundering tiger and her deadly cubs is coming in through the back door. The effects of foreign intervention are now being felt in Zambia".

Late last week, the President made a strong attack on the involvement of the Soviet Union and Cuba on behalf of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA).

The State of Emergency powers have existed in Zambia since Rhodesia declared unilateral independence (UDI) from Britain in 1965, but they have never previously been applied.

The 52-year-old President who has led Zambia since independence from Britain in 1964, said the Angolan conflict had shown the grave phenomenon of intervention by foreign powers in African affairs.

Dr. Kaunda charged that "a number of foreigners and people financed by foreigners have infiltrated Zambia".

He said unidentified armed gangs were roving the country and that Zambia's police was being reinforced as a result.