PM officially opens SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Ministerial meeting

The Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili has expressed the country's gratitude at being entrusted with the leadership of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

Officially opening a meeting of the SADC ministerial committee of the organ of Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation on January 13 at the National Convention Centre, Mr. Mosisili said Lesotho today enjoys unprecedented peace and stability not only since she returned to democratic governance in 1993, but since independence in 1996.

He said Lesotho can in a sense be proud of the road she has traveled and the route to peace and stability she has followed, adding that it is not accidental that she enjoys that situation. Hard choices and compromises had to be made in the give-and-take nature of building peace and stability in Lesotho and Lesotho has learnt that it pays to remain open minded in searching for solutions to political problems.

"Equally important amongst the lessons we have learnt is the wisdom of engaging all stakeholders in dialogue as we search for solutions and answers to our problems" he added.

Mr. Mosisili said SADC's assistance to Lesotho in the resolution of conflicts subsequent to the 1998 elections is a shining demonstration that SADC does possess the capacity to prevent and resolve conflicts and create peace and stability in the region. This capacity should be used wisely and effectively for the benefit of the people in the region.

He recommended that today's deliberations should be focused on that SADC shall become increasingly characterized by peace, stability, security, the rule of law, respect for the rights of the SADC peoples and sustainability of socio-economic development.

South African Minister of Defence, Mr. Mosiuoa Lekota, in a vote of thanks, said SADC was able to sign the Defence Pact under the chairmanship of Lesotho. Mr. Lekota said they are convinced that as SADC that they will be able to tackle any issues that come up in the year ahead. SADC speaks of its commitment to peace and stability in the region in one voice, he said.

The meeting is held in preparation for the AU ministerial meeting on politics and Defence and Security that will be held in Addis Abba  from January 20 to 21.

13 January 2004