‘Rebels’ ban needed to remove threat—envoy

Press, 24 April 1986, Page 5

‘Rebels’ ban needed to remove threat—envoy

The threat to New Zealand’s participation at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh would disappear if the “rebel” rugby players were banned from playing for the All Blacks, according to the High Commissioner of Zambia, Mr Jason Mfula. “If the New Zealand Rugby Union imposes a ban on the rebels, as the Australian cricket authorities have done with their players who recently toured South Africa, the Organisation of African Unity would not insist on a boycott of New Zealand athletes at the Edinburgh Games,” Mr Mfula said in Christchurch yesterday. He said that Zambia, as a member of the organisation, would have to abide by its ruling on the Commonwealth Games issue. “We are all waiting to see what disciplinary measures the Rugby Union here takes against the members of the rebel rugby team, and whether they enforce the name ‘rebel’ by a ban.” If the players were excluded from future All

Black selection the Rugby Union would be seen by the black African nations, to have cleared its name, and that of the New Zealand Government and its people, said Mr Mfula. He said he was uncertain of public reaction in Zambia to the tour because he had been travelling for he last three weeks, but the official line was likely to be one of regret that it had happened. Zambia did not take the attitude that the New Zea-v

land Government could be held responsible, he said. “We respect your Government’s opposition to anything that appears to be perpetuating apartheid. It has a very clear and progressive policy on that issue, and we admire that. “We also appreciate, as Mr Lange explained when he visited our country last Apri, that while your Government does not give its blessing it cannot prevent individuals travelling to South Africa if they wish to,” said Mr Mfula.

Mr Mfula who has been touring the South Island, said the primary purpose of the visit, his fourth to New Zealand, was to inform New Zealand people about Zambia and the possibilities of trade between the two countries. “There is very little trade at present, so there is plenty of scope,” he said. "Politically, we share a very warm relationship.” Mr Mfula addressed a meeting at the University of .Canterbury last evening. ; ; <2