Lusaka - Zambia's parliament met on Tuesday, convening for the first time since the southern African country's president was sidelined by a stroke.
There was no direct reference during the session to President Levy Mwanawasa's condition. He remains at a military hospital in Paris, where he was flown shortly after collapsing in Egypt on June 30, the eve of an African Union summit being held at an Egyptian resort.
Deputy Speaker Mutale Nalumango told parliament that Vice President Rupiah Banda was appointing Defense Minister George Mpombo to lead government business in parliament. Banda usually fills that role, but he has been acting head of state since Mwanawasa fell ill.
Top leaders have been reluctant to formally declare Mwanawasa incapable of performing his duties, but the opposition was expected to press the issue during this parliament session.
If the president's office is formally declared vacant, Banda would govern until a new president is elected. The vote would have to be held within 90 days.
Michael Sata, leader of Zambia's main opposition Patriotic Front party, suggested last month that the government appoint a board of doctors to determine Mwanawasa's condition, which could lead to the president being declared incapable of governing. Sata's call was rebuffed by government leaders, who said it was too early for such a step. - Sapa-AP