South African Government Discussions Government of Swaziland regarding the Extension of Democratic Rights to the Citizens of Swaziland

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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

 FOR ORAL REPLY

QUESTION NO: 1178

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER No: 20 OF 27 JUNE 2008

Mrs P de Lille (ID) to ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs:

Whether the Government has held any discussions in the past year with the Government of Swaziland with regard to the possible extension of democratic rights to the citizens of that country, if not, why not, what (a) are the details of the discussions that were held and (b) was the result of the discussions?
NW191E

1. During the period in question, President Mbeki undertook a working visit to Swaziland where a wide range of bilateral and regional matters of mutual concern were discussed with His Majesty King Mswati lll, the King of Swaziland.

a)    President Mbeki was informed of measures that the Government of Swaziland is   taking to deepen democracy, including the forthcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for October 2008.

2. The Swazi authorities undertook to take measures, including the one mentioned in a) above to deepen democracy in Swaziland.

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