African leaders have proposed to adopt the European Union (EU) model of government as opposed to the United States of America which he said sovereign states will remain independent and not have a central government of states like in the US.

Speaking about the African Union (AU) towards United States of Africa, Mr. Mosisili said though they believe that there is no turning back, some of them agreed that communities should not be left behind.

The Prime Minister expressed the need to first strengthen regional economic cooperation and interregional infrastructure for a smooth trade.

'We should consult our communities on issues of that magnitude in case we are accused of selling our sovereign states,' he stressed.

Addressing local media at the press briefing held at the Government Complex offices on Tuesday, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili lashed at the countries which are calling for the economic sanctions against Zimbabwe as having double standards.

While other countries particularly Europeans are calling for economic sanctions against Zimbabwean government, Prime Minister says only Zimbabweans can resolve their differences.

'They are bent on causing confusion and do not have best interests of the Zimbabweans while we (SADC) are doing all we could to find a lasting solution in that country,' he remarked.

He said SADC is fully aware of such threats, adding that on its resolutions on Zimbabwe, they have appealed to states and all parties concerned to refrain from any action that may negatively impact on the climate of dialogue.

The Prime Minister attributed the food prices and fuels hike to climate change that has affected food production and that results in severe droughts and frost which damages crops.

He said the government is working towards increasing its annual budget on agriculture to increase food security.

The Prime Minister was also invited to the Commonwealth Africa Business Forum held in London where he delivered a keynote address in which he emphasised the need to halve the number of people who live under the conditions of hunger and poverty.

Present at the press briefing included Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa, of Communications, Science and Technology Mr. Mothetjoa Metsing as well as of Agriculture and Food Security Mr. Lesole Mokoma and of Employment and Labour Mr. Refiloe Masemene.

Source: LENA 08/07/2008