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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Commonwealth Secretary-General Secures Release of Hostages in Lesotho

27 March 1995

Through the good offices of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, two senior officers of the National Security Service (NSS) of Lesotho abducted by some of their junior colleagues earlier this month were released late on Saturday 25 March 1995. The release of the captives followed a long meeting which the Secretary-General had with members of the armed forces, police and NSS; Chief Anyaoku was on an official visit to Lesotho from 23-25 March 1995.

Expressing satisfaction over the release of the two NSS officers, Chief Anyaoku described their abduction as one of the dramatic illustrations of the general threat which continues to exist to the democratic order ushered into Lesotho through the national elections observed by the Commonwealth in March 1993.

Addressing media representatives at the end of his visit, the Secretary-General spoke of the meetings he had with His Majesty King Moshoeshoe II, Prime Minister Ntsu Mokhehle and his Cabinet colleagues, as well as with the leaders of Opposition parties.

"I found my discussions extremely valuable. The Commonwealth has been working with the Government of Lesotho to assist the democratisation process and to deal with some of the problems encountered along the way. I have also remained closely in touch with the Presidents of Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe who have taken particular interest as neighbours in facilitating the consolidation of Lesotho's democracy," he said.

"I am leaving Lesotho greatly encouraged that some of the problems which have bedevilled peace and stability in the country will be resolutely tackled. Needless to say, the Commonwealth remains ready to help in every possible way."

 

95/14 27 March 1995

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