INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Russias top diplomat on Tuesday promised security training to Eswatini, simply days after the harsh murder of a leading human rights legal
representative and opposition politician.Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was speaking in the landlocked nation, Africas last outright
monarchy, a day after checking out surrounding South Africa and just two days after Thulani Maseko was shot
Russia is prepared to assist Eswatini in training of security workers, enhancing food production and also assistance on other issues of
mutual cooperation, Lavrov told reporters.Following talks with Eswatinis prime minister and other cabinet members, he stated 50 Eswatini
security workers were studying at Russian defense universities
Reacting to a concern on the political crisis in Eswatini, the minister said as a matter of concept, we do not interfere with the political
situations of any country
We are here to promote our excellent relations, to develop the best atmosphere for application of useful projects from the ground-- market,
farming, information interaction technologies and numerous other things, he said.The weekend killing of Maseko has actually sparked
worldwide condemnation.Maseko, 52, was shot dead on Saturday night by unknown opponents at his house around 50 kilometers (30 miles) from
the capital Mbabane, an opposition spokesman told AFP.He was shot through the window while he was inside with his family.Maseko, a leading
human rights legal representative and writer, was the creator of the Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF), a union of opposition parties,
associations and churches.Masekos death came just hours after the king challenged activists combating to end Africas last outright monarchy
People must not shed tears and complain about mercenaries killing them, King Mswati had said
In 2014, Maseko was jailed for contempt of court over articles vital of the federal government and judiciary but was acquitted on appeal and
launched a year later on.
