President Chissano to Visit Lesotho

Mozambican President Joaquim Alberto Chissano is expected in Lesotho on a two day state visit from November 2 to 3, 2004, the Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili announced in the National Assembly on October 21.

In a statement read to both Houses of Parliament, Mr. Mosisili said Lesotho had invited the Mozambican leader in recognition of the "very important and pivotal role" he had played in 1998, as the then Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, in the resolution of the political crisis in Lesotho.

President Joaquim Chissano

President Chissano's personal commitment was demonstrated by his numerous visits to Lesotho and the extensive consultations he held with all stakeholders at the material time, Mr. Mosisili said.

Mr. Mosisili said one of the reasons the country felt it had to honour President Chissano, was the fact that he was stepping down from power voluntarily even though constitutionally he could still run for another term.

Responding to the Prime Minister's statement in the Senate, Chief Khoabane Theko said he felt Mr. Mosisili also deserved accolades because he had, in the same manner as President Chissano, put his neck on the block by agreeing to the then Interim Political Authority's suggestion that the country follow the proportional representation route to resolve its political problems.

His political detractors, including even within his own party, might have taken advantage of this decision, to try and destroy the Prime Minister politically, Chief Khoabane said.

Prime Minister  Pakalitha Mosisili

21 October 2004