Powell addresses SA Aids issue

Colin Powell says he feels an emotional connection with Africa

The American Secretary of State, Colin Powell, is due to visit an Aids centre in the township of Soweto, on the second day of his trip to South Africa.

On Thursday Mr Powell held talks with South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki, after which he declared that the president was well aware of the implications HIV-Aids held for South Africa and the whole region.

250,000 South Africans died from Aids last year

After his talks with Mr Mbeki, Mr Powell declared himself satisfied that Mr Mbeki was "doing everything possible" to deal with Aids in his country.

But correspondents say the United States is concerned that Mr Mbeki is not personally involved in campaigning against the epidemic, which has infected one in nine South Africans.

Controversial debate

Mr Mbeki caused a storm last May by convening a panel of scientists to determine whether the HIV virus causes the fatal disease, long accepted as fact by most Aids experts.

Under fire, Mr Mbeki later withdrew from the debate, but just last month he questioned the need for people to be tested for HIV because he said scientists disagreed on what was being tested.

Mr Powell, who is on a four-nation tour of Africa, met with Mr Mbeki in the Union Building, which houses the president's offices.

The two leaders said they discussed various African problems, including strife in neighbouring Zimbabwe and in DR Congo.

Bush's enthusiasm

Mr Powell, has said he is moved to be the first African-American Secretary of State and feels an emotional connection with the continent.

Mbeki caused a storm last year by challenging the cause of Aids

Mr Powell said President Bush shares his enthusiasm for African issues.

"He is very, very interested in what my report will be when I get back," he said.

For his part, Mr Mbeki said he was certain that Mr Bush would remain as engaged in Africa as the Clinton administration.

He added that he will travel to Washington in June at Mr Bush's invitation.

After South Africa Mr Powell will visit Kenya and Uganda.