Swaziland strike partly observed

A two-day strike called by trade union leaders in Swaziland to support demands for political freedom has received only limited support.

Reports from the capital, Mbabane, say most schools and a few factories closed, but most shops, banks and offices opened as usual.

There was a heavy police presence, and at least three arrests were made.

The strike, had been declared illegal by the government, which threatened to detain strikers.

Trade union leaders object to a new law which makes workers liable for losses suffered as the result of industrial action.

They are also demanding democracy in the country, where King Mswati has absolute power, and rules by decree. Because of the new law, the United States has excluded Swaziland from some benefits under the recently passed Africa Growth and Opportunity Act.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service