42ND EUROPEAN UNION DAY COMMEMORATED IN LESOTHO
 
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Motsoahae Thabane has proclaimed that European Union has, since its establishment forty two years ago, been actively involved in stimulating and assisting in various ways Lesotho's development initiatives in almost all sectors of the economy. Minister Thabane said this in his speech at the occasion to mark the commemoration of the European Union Day held at European Union Residential place in Maseru on Monday, 13 May 2002.

He indicated that the world that people live in is that which is highly interconnected, adding that the people's security, physical health and economic well being of the future depend on how people act now.
He clarified that in a world that is highly disease ridden, nations can not afford to act individually, but require assistance in the fight against scourges such as HIV/AIDS, poverty, and bad governance to mention but a few.
Mr. Thabane further noted that in Africa, nations are making collective efforts towards stronger economic integration, creation of a more conductive political, security and policy environment for investments.

He said this imperative is evicted by the establishment of the African Union and adoption of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), saying that the EU is one of the major actors in international cooperation and the development assistance an is better positioned to extend a helping hand  for the realization of then broad goals of the African Union and of the NEPAD. 

He concluded by noting that Lesotho accepts with gratitude the EU's M800 Million Plan of Cooperation with Lesotho for the next five years to cover among others, availability of good quality road infrastructure, reliable and clear water supplies within tows and villages and improved access to health facilities.

At the occasion, the Head of the Delegation of the European commission Mr.Robert Colllinghood said after 12 months of hard work, the EU has finished the planning for the ongoing cooperation under the new Cotonou sAgreement for the years 2003 to 2007.He said the vital projects to be carried out under the new agreement are
brought about efficiently and on time to support the government, the businesses and the workers of the country in their endevours to bring development to Lesotho in the fight against poverty and to bring about
better life for the people.

Forty two years ago, the European people through their collective leadership decided to go into partnership in the form of the European  Economic Community, now known as the European Union, as the first
step towards economically integrated Europe and to maintain  common tariffs against imports from the outside the common market..


14MAY2002

  SOURCE LESOTHO NEWS AGENCY(LENA)