THE United States government has proposed informally to President Thabo Mbeki that he make his first state visit to Washington in August. While an official invitation has not been made diplomats from both contries have been discussing a visit in the middle of August. While the US Congress is in recess in August, lawmakers are likely to change their holiday plans to meet with Mbeki if he goes. Mbeki will attend the opening of the United Nations General Assembly in September, where he will meet with US Vice President Al Gore.