US ‘DISMAYED’ BY SWAZI REFORM

THE United States has declared itself “dismayed” by the slow pace of political reform in Swaziland and says it expects the tiny kingdom to replace its current political order, under which party politics are banned and the monarchy wields absolute power. The US embassy said American support for Swaziland depended on the countrys commitment to a transition to democratic rule and a respect for human rights and the rule of law. Swaziland has been ruled by royal decree since 1973. – AFP

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