WASHINGTON: The United States on Wednesday sent condolences to Zambia at the death of president Michael Sata, but stressed it believed there would be a peaceful political transition in the African nation.
"On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I send our condolences ... for the loss of President Michael Chilufya Sata," President Barack Obama said in a statement.
"The United States remains committed to our enduring friendship and partnership with Zambia, and strongly supports a peaceful constitutional transition of power as the country moves forward during this time of sorrow," he added.
Even though officials had long denied he was sick, Sata, 77, died Tuesday while undergoing treatment in London's private King Edward VII hospital for an unspecified illness, the Zambian government reported.
Sata died only days after Zambia celebrated half a century of independence.
"We anticipate a peaceful and constitutional transition," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters earlier.
Psaki added that Washington welcomed the appointment of Vice President Guy Scott as the interim president until elections are held in 90 days.
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