Maseru — Foreign Ministers from South Africa, Mozambigue, Zimbabwe and Botswana are expected in the country this week to have talks with the government, the Interim Political Authority (IPA) and other concerned parties regarding issues that seem to be hindering the political progress in the country.

The trip by the SADC - Extended Troika Foreign ministers follows a one-day advanced mission delegation which was sent into the country last week on a fact finding and understanding of the problems that are holding the progress of the IPA. The IPA, which was formed last year following the political impasse in the country over election results, and which was threatening a war situation, has been charged with the duty of preparing for fresh elections in Lesotho in the year 2000.

The SADC - Extended Trioka advance mission was engaged in talks until late last week Wednesday with Lesotho Political players to find a solution to a problem that seems to be holding the progress towards reelection in April next year. The team comprising of South African Foreign Affairs officials and High Commissioners from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana had been sent to Lesotho to set the stage for a mission of Foreign Affairs Ministers that are expected in the country this week to talk to government and opposition parties on the way forward for Lesotho's ultimate political stability.

Said Mozambique's High Commissioner at the meeting Amnando Panguene: "We are only here sent by our Foreign Ministers to find out and discuss the problems hindering political progress in Lesotho". He said theirs is not to come up with solutions but to listen to all concerned parties and give a report back for a better understanding of the situation in Lesotho.

Former Interim Political Authority (IPA) Chairperson Dr. Khauhelo Raditapole said in a brief interview, the problem seems to be influenced by everybody and added "there seems to be lack of commitment on the part of those who are supposed to facilitate the progress, but I also think is everybody," she said. She further said the government has to stand on its feet to make sure that the political programme agreed upon is taken seriously.

Raditapole was called to the meeting for an interview with the foreign mission so that she could give a clear picture of what was happening with the IPA. Dr. Raditapole has been withdrawn from the IPA by some members of the party who have gained the upperhand in the ensuing political strive within her Basutoland Congress Party (BCP).

Earlier on that day the talks were almost pushed to a deadlock when two factions of the BCP could not agree on a delegation into the talks. When asked about the main problems that seem to be a focus in the meeting, a South African Foreign Affairs official, Super Moloi said the main issues centred around the electoral model that Lesotho will take, the composition of the IEC and security, but hoped all will be thoroughly thrashed.

The IPA has still not finalised an electoral model for the next year's elections. Parties are divided between a 100 per cent proportional Representation and a Compensatory hybrid model which will combine the former first-past-the-post with proportional representation.

Publication date: August 3, 1999