STATEMENT ON THE STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS

Issued by: Office of the Deputy President

On Friday 2 October, Deputy President Thabo Mbeki had pre-recorded a state of the nation address on the situation in Lesotho with the SABC in Johannesburg.

The Deputy President had in the period leading to the pre-recording been in contact with his Communication Division both inside and outside Lesotho, during the discussions between Lesotho's government and the Opposition Alliance.

It was during these discussions than an honest mistake occurred causing the Deputy President to announce an agreement on the retention of the Lesotho Government during the period leading to the holding of fresh elections within in next 15-18 months.

As a matter of fact and whereas the parties agreed to the holding of fresh elections, the issue of who will preside over matter of governance in the period leading to the elections is still subject to further discussions and negotiations. As it is the parties have agreed to reconvene on Monday 5 October in Maseru to discuss this and other outstanding issues.

The Communication Division in the Deputy President's Office having realised its mistake in this regard, had immediately taken corrective steps to rectify this through a press conference addressed by Minister Sydney Mufamadi in Lesotho.

The Communication Division regrets this genuine mistake and takes full responsibility. As such this mistake cannot therefore be used to question the integrity of the Deputy President.

We however, do not believe that anybody who genuinely has the interests of Lesotho at heart would throw tantrums over this slight misunderstanding to a point of seeking to reverse the important steps which Lesotho has taken, away from the impasse.

In this regard, we reiterate our view that solid progress has been made by Lesotho's political parties working with the SADC-extended troika in agreeing to:

• the holding of fresh elections within a time frame of 15-18 months and to respect and abide by its outcome.
• to review the electoral system with a view to ensuring greater inclusive participation in the political affairs of Lesotho.
• to work together to create levels of security and stability which are necessary to ensure free and fair elections. In this regard, agree to work together to restore stability in the country and desist from any action that may compromise the professionalism of the security forces.
• to consult all other political parties which contested the 1998 elections in order to enable their participation in these processes.

For more info contact Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853 or Ricky Naidoo by 083-5555-189.

Issued by Communications Division Office of the Deputy President - TM Mbeki