RADIO FRANCE INTERNATIONAL AND THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS OF LESOTHO IN AGREEMENT FOR RADIO FRANCE TO OPERATE ON RADIO LESOTHO (GOVERNMENT OWNED STATION) AIRWAVES
	The Minister of Communications of Lesotho, Honourable 'Nyane Mphafi, this March 06, in Maseru, signed an agreement on behalf of Government of Lesotho (GOL) to exist between the Ministry of Communications and Radio France International. Speaking at the occasion, the Minister indicated that, the signing of the agreement has come at an opportune time when countries worldwide are networking to ensure that news benefits a wider community within themselves. He pointed out that, French is one of the official languages used internationally; adding that, the availability of the French broadcast in Lesotho will definitely improve upon those who are learning the language, as well as those who wish to improve their communications skills in French. Minister Mphafi further indicated that, the agreement that Radio France and the Ministry of Communications are signing would benefit Lesotho and improve the warm diplomatic relationship between France and Lesotho. He expressed hope that various media houses will transmit local news through the Radio France International to promote the image of Lesotho as a nation to the whole world. The Minister concluded by saying that, basic training programme on French language will be introduced to the staff of the Ministry of Communications; adding that, the programme will be enhanced by Radio France International and hopefully the people of Lesotho. At the occasion, the Consular General of France to Lesotho, Mr. Jean-Paul Cluzel noted that, the spirit of cooperation visible in the people of Lesotho has enabled them to operate smoothly since they started broadcasting in August, 2001. He said Radio France International allows the people of Lesotho to know what is happening around the world, saying that, vital programmes that are broadcast on the Station 24 hours a day focus mainly on issues that affect Africa. He further mentioned that, the agreement would further promote the use of French as a communicating language among the French speaking community in Lesotho. Consular-General Cluzel noted that, Radio France broadcasts also in English to discover the news of the world from the French point of view. He concluded by announcing that, Radio France International will broadcast special programme of African music, especially from French speaking countries and will also undergo special coverage of the coming elections in Lesotho both in English and French. Radio France International broadcasts on 96.5 FM straight from Paris.
	SOURCE: THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS