PRIME MINISTER LEADS LESOTHO DELEGATION TO UNCCD

The Prime Minister Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili will lead the  Lesotho delegation to the sixth (6th) Session of the Conference of the parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in those countries experiencing serious drought and desertification, particularly in Africa, convened in Havana, Cuba.

The Prime Minister will be  accompanied by among others, the Ministers' of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa, Tourism, Environment and Culture Ms Lebohang Nts'inyi and that of Forestry and Land Reclamation Mr. Ralechate 'Mokose.

Information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicates that the conference has attracted 17 heads of state or government from Africa and Caribbean countries. It states that Lesotho, together with Burkina Faso,
Gambia, Mali, Mozambique and Niger have been invited to represent the continent. "The heads of state or government will participate in a one-day high level segment of the conference of the parties on September 01, 2003," it added. The delegates will also make a general statement on the assessment of the implementation of the convention, and also engage in interactive dialogue on the selected topic 'The UNCCD as a tool to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

It pointed out that the Prime Minister is also expected to demonstrate the country's political commitment to the goals and objectives of the UNCCD, thus strengthening Lesotho's chances of success in its request for UNCCD support for a land reclamation project similar to the current Environment Management for Poverty Reduction Project, which is funded by GEF." Arrangements, will also be made for him to have bilateral discussions with the head of state of Cuba and possibly with other heads of state", the report said.

The UNCCD conferences of the parties are held bi-annually by the state parties to the convention for the purpose of reviewing the institutional mechanisms and actual implementation of the guidance and to authorize the budget allocation for the following biennium. The last conference of the parties (cop5) was held in Geneva, Switzerland in 2001.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mosisili and his entourage are still in Tanzania where they are attending the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Summit on Security and Safety Organ.

27 August 2003