SADC FMs meet in Maputo before summit

MAPUTO, Mozambique - Southern African foreign ministers are meeting in the Mozambican capital Maputo to discuss issues including the political crises in Zimbabwe and Madagascar, the regional bloc SADC said here on Thursday.

The meeting is a preparation for the SADC summit set for Friday and Saturday.

According to the SADC executive secretary, Tomaz Salomao, the foreign ministers are also  discussing financial contributions by member states and a proposal on an annual budget worth $35 million.

Finance ministers of the SADC decided on Wednesday to set up a fund to be spent on infrastructure, one of the grouping's main targets to develop the region.

Another topic is a dossier on the consolidation of Regional Customs Union.

Mozambique took over the SADC presidency from Angola on Wednesday.

On Thursday, South African President Jacob Zuma is to chair a meeting on defense and security of the SADC.

The summit, among others, will deal with the border dispute over the Niassa Lake between Malawi and Tanzania.

Salomao said the organization has not intervened formally in the matter, while urging the two sides to be patient and exercise restraint.