Former Botswana president Sir Ketumile Masire will mediate in the current Lesotho's political disagreement between the government and some of opposition parties.

This was announced by the Tanzanian Foreign Minister, Mr. Bernard Bembe at the 'Manthabiseng National Convention Centre on Monday, in which he said the mediation process is expected to commence this Wednesday.

Mr. Bembe said the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries appointed Sir Ketumile Masire to be the mediator because of his stature of a respectable leader within the region.

'Lesotho's political dilemma is not unique to other countries,' he added. Mr Bembe, however, urged leaders of the political parties to tell their followers to be calm and give a dialogue a chance.

On the other hand, speaking on behalf of the opposition at the press briefing held at the same venue, a leader of the All Basotho Convention (ABC), Mr. Motsoahae Thabane said though they welcome the decision for dialogue, they would like the issue of allocation of seats to be addressed with immediate effect.

He said the report was not what they were expecting as it did not say anything they had expected as opposition parties.

The briefing was attended by among others the deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Lesao Lehohla, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa as well as leaders of some of the opposition parties.

SOURCE: LENA 11/06/2007
 

Source: LENA