The Lesotho Minister of Foreign Affairs, Motsoahae Thabane, was among participants of a three-day Ministerial meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) member states in Durban, the Republic of South Africa from Saturday, 27 April 2002. The meeting was convened in preparation for the XIII (13th) Summit of the NAM scheduled for Amman, Jordan, July 2002.

The meeting looked at the revised themes for the interactive dialogue which embrace analysis of the global political environment; creating a peaceful world : meeting the challenge of conflict resolution, management and prevention; poverty eradication; implementing the millennium development goals as well as enhancing the role of the NAM to meet the assurances of the 21st century.

The meeting further focused on the many problems still facing the developing countries, in order to ultimately make realistic and achievable, recommendations to the Heads of Government at the XIII Summit in Amman.

The Republic of South Africa is a current Chair of the NAM, following the hosting of the previous summit that was held in Durban in September, 1998.

Since the end of the 'cold war', focus for a positive direction that everyone should embrace shifted away from political issues to advocacy of solutions, global economy and other problems.

The first conference of Heads of State of the NAM, at which 25 countries were represented was convened in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in September 1961, largely through the initiative of the President of Yugoslavia, Tito. Tito had expressed concern that, an accelerating arms race might result in war between the Soviet Union and the United States of America (USA).

At the Durban meeting this April, Minister Thabane expressed sentiment that, the NAM should play a pivotal role in the fight against terrorism in order to ensure that this (the fight against terrorism) is done justly without threatening the fundamental principles of human rights, respect for justice and international law, peoples' right to self determination and territorial integrity.

He went on that, the terrorist attacks of September 2001 in the USA, have permanently changed the political landscape of the world and have strengthened the resolve of the international community to work together to fight and eradicate this horrible crime against humanity.

"We assure you of our cooperation in your tireless efforts to bolster the international standing of our movement and to make it more relevant and responsive to the challenges of the new millennium, " Thabane told the meeting.

He noted that, the situation in the Middle East should be of a grave concern to the NAM; adding that, Lesotho believes that violence cannot be a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, therefore, he called on the two sides to return to dialogue as it represents the only credible solution to the problem.

Minister Thabane applauded the decision by the United Nations General-Secretary, kofi Annan, for instituting an investigation into the Israeli attack on the Jenin refugee camp. He added that, Lesotho unequivocally supports the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and a comprehensive peace process based on the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 425 and the Principle of Land for Peace.

Regarding the gaping digital chasm between the industrialised and developing countries, especially in Africa where the majority of the people are yet to reap the benefits of information and
communication technology, Thabane said this gap must be bridged so that information technology becomes accessible to everyone in order to combat poverty in all its forms.

Coming closer home, he commended the Republic of South Africa for hosting the Inter-Congo dialogue which he underscored that, Lesotho firmly believes constitutes the first step towards sustainable peace in that country; underscoring that, this gesture points the way in which the NAM can tackle conflicts and promote peace in order to ensure sustainable development.

Further, Minister Thabane informed the meeting about the declaration of a state of famine in Lesotho, which he noted that, the disaster has not hit Lesotho alone but some other Southern African states as well. He therefore, appealed to cooperating partners and all friends to assist these countries, while bearing in mind that, they (the countries) "... have the primary responsibility to feed themselves, although they are unable to control natural forces that have caused the short-fall in grain production, mainly due to their level of development."

Further, Thabane grabbed the opportunity to announce to the meeting that, Lesotho will be holding general elections on May 25, 2002, which he said, follow the unfortunate political events of 1998 where the Southern African Development Community (SADC) had to intervene militarily. He however, assured the assembly that, efforts by Lesotho with the help of SADC have now produced a stable and peaceful environment within which it is hoped that a successful election will be held.

In conclusion, Thabane commended the NAM for providing an important platform to all member states within which their interests have been protected, both during and after the cold war period. He expressed hope that, the Movement becomes more dynamic, aggressive and ready to face the daunting challenges facing the world today, especially the developing countries.