Maseru, Oct 09 (LENA) - Former Minister of Communications, Science and  Technology Mr. Motsoahae Thabane has announced his resignation as cabinet Minister and as member of the ruling Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) before a packed press conference held at Victoria Hotel on Monday.

Mr. Thabane said himself and other Members of Parliament from the LCD have decided to form a new party known as All Basotho Convention (ABC), which he said is not a breakaway party from the Congresses like the previous ones.

He said they have decided to form a new party due to the nature of politics within the ruling LCD but did not want to divulge further information or reasons behind his resignation.

Mr. Thabane said the new party will incorporate all other sectors such as farmers, business community and Famo music groups as well as the taxi industry.

Furthermore he stated that Lesotho is not a poor country as many people perceive, saying failure to implement good policies and party's manifesto has been the downfall of Lesotho.

The former Minister said, the Military government which was led by Major General Metsing Lekhanya delivered more than any other governments he has served and wondered why that did not happen in a democratically elected government.

However, he said his track record as Cabinet Minister in many portfolios speaks volumes and pledged that his new party will focus on implementation, and would not make empty promises.

In responding to questions from the press Mr. Thabane said he was one of those who received vehicles at a residual value from Imperial Fleet Services, saying as Cabinet Ministers, the move was discussed and agreed upon.

However, he said now that he is no longer a member of the ruling LCD, they  will decide how to use that vehicle with his new colleagues on October 29 at their first conference.

When asked about the 1998 prisoners who were arrested due to political  disturbances, he said that Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) had dealt accordingly with army officers who took part in that political turmoil and had no problem with that. He however questioned the Government hesitation to implement recommendations made by Judge White's Commission.

He also questioned why he was not arrested if he is being suspected of attempted murder of Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Monyane Moleleki.

Mr. Thabane agreed that he was an opportunist as a politician, saying if he was not, he would quit politics and look for another profession but insisted that he would not go about making empty promises to the electorate.

Other LCD Mps who have joined Mr. Thabane to form a new party are Messrs Molibeli Soulo of Lithoteng N0. 34, Molebatsi Khaile of Qeme N0. 42, Seabata Monare of Qhalasi N0. 57, 'Nyane Mphafi of Thaba Tseka N0. 74 and Lehlohonolo Tsehlana of Mokhotlong N0. 79.

SOURCE: LENA