Top news items in major Zambian media outlets

LUSAKA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The following are news highlights in Zambia's major media outlets on Friday.

-- Zambia's chief judge has warned judges and magistrates against tolerating any form of interference in the line of duty.

Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima said no judge or magistrate should tolerate such behavior as they serve to subvert or negate the independence, integrity and accountability which were so critical. (Times of Zambia)

-- Cuba has apologized to Zambia over the conduct of its envoy who has been expelled from the southern African nation after he attended the launch of a new opposition political party.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Malanji said the Cuban government has been in touch with the Zambian government and expressed regret over the action of their envoy. (Zambia Daily Mail)

-- The Zambian government has described the invasion of an emerald mine by illegal miners in Lufwanyama district on the Copperbelt Province as criminal.

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Richard Musukwa said the invasion of Kagem Mine, the country's biggest emerald miner, was criminal and directed the police to arrest all the culprits. (The Mast)

-- The Zambian government said it was ready and determined to meet the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this month for a possible 1.3 billion U.S. dollars bailout program.

Minister of Finance Margaret Mwanakatwe, who was expected to be in Washington DC on April for the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings, said government was hoping to achieve some progress with the international lender during the talks. (Daily Nation) Enditem