jeudi 30 octobre 2008

Lesotho watching with keen SA current political chnages, said Prime Minister

Lesotho is watching with keen interest the current political developments in the neighbouring South Africa.

Prime Minister Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili told Members of the National Assembly when responding to questions asked by members on Monday.

He said that, 'Lesotho being surrounded by the Republic of South Africa, anything happening there is likely to affect Basotho.'

However, he said bilateral relations between the two countries and agreements signed will not be affected by the changes of leadership in that country as they were signed at the level of head of governments not as individuals.

'Agreements of cooperation between the two countries are still intact regardless of who is in power in that country,' he emphasised

On the other hand, the Prime Minister said the government is working together with South African government to ensure that Basotho who have fled to South Africa are extradited back into the country to face charges for offences they have committed.

He said the government has signed an extradition treaty with South Africa, which allows both countries to repatriate people who have sought refuge in another country after committing criminal offences.

Referring to amending the law, which controls dual citizenship, Mr. Mosisili, said the Ministry in charge will take the necessary measures if there is a need to do so.

On the other hand, Mr. Mosisili reaffirmed his government's commitment to construct new roads connecting highlands and lowlands districts, citing an example of the road connecting Likalaneng and Thaba-Tseka.

He said Local Government is working towards achieving that goal by purchasing machinery to improve urban and rural roads.

The questions from the floor were asked by Members of the Parliament Dr Khauhelo Raditapole of the Alliance of Congress Parties (ACP), Sello Maphalla of Lesotho Workers Party (LWP) and Lehlohonolo Ts'ehlana of All Basotho Convention/Kobo Tata.

The historic move in the parliament of Lesotho giving Members of the National Assembly an opportunity to ask the Prime Minister questions lasted for less that 30 minutes.

It is expected the exercise will done every first Thursday of a month depending on the availability of the Prime Minister.

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