The prime minister has appealed to Basotho to unite and maintain peace and stability for the development of the country.

Addressing the pubic at the 40th independence anniversary on Wednesday at the Setsoto stadium, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili said it is through unity that the government can achieve the national goals.

"A country without peace and stability ends in civil wars, corruption and under-developed".

He further said unity is needed not only in Lesotho but also worldwide, hence why there are international organizations that are there to ensure maintainance of peace and stability. He added that today the world is facing numerous challenges that require communities to work jointly and to fight against challenges which include HIV, poverty and corruption.

Mr. Mosisili passed his vote of thanks to heads of state and government who attended the historic events and said their presence indeed is a testimony of true friendship and brotherhood.

He also thanked God for protecting the Basotho nation before and after independence and further requested Him to give Basotho chance to implement the Vision 2020.

The prime minister urged the public and private sectors to work jointly and ensure that they render quality services for the improvement of the entire nation.

He also wished the whole nation a peace and joyful celebration and encouraged them to revive the spirit of patriotism for the development of the country.

Present at the celebration were presidents of, Botswana, Tanzania, Namibia, Gambia, the deputy president of South Africa, representatives of the Swaziland and Mozambican governments. Lesotho gained independence from Britain in 1966 after the first elections which were won by the Basotho
National Party.

SOURCE: LENA