The celebration of the United Nations (UN) day must mean a more peaceful, secure and stable Lesotho. The day must be seen as a reminder that, following last years' elections and the launching of a unique and truly representative and inclusive parliament, Basotho have to be more determined to take up the challenges of poverty eradication and scourge of HIV/AIDS head on and win.

This was the message of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa, at an occasion celebrating the UN day, on Friday at Lesotho Sun hotel. Mr. Tsekoa indicated that the day should encourage them to work with greater commitment to ensure a fully buttressed democracy, good governance and the rule of law.

On the international front, he said the nations of the world should on this day remember that the world graves for new order. He specified that it was an order where democracy, good governance and respect for human rights and the rule of law would be the hallmark of the conduct of the affairs of the peoples of the world.

At the same occasion the UN resident representative, Ms Scholastica Kimaryo read the UN secretary General's message for the day urging the peoples of the world to continue efforts to tackle poverty, disease, climate change and spread of small arms. The message further appeals to the peoples to work together to fight terrorism and spread of weapons of mass destruction. Present at the occasion were also other ministers, members of the two houses of parliament, heads of diplomatic missions in Lesotho and  UN agencies staff.

27 October 2003