Mbeki in Washington

The South African President, Thabo Mbeki, who is visiting the United States, has appealed for American support in combating the AIDS epidemic on the African continent.

Mr Mbeki was welcomed in Washington by President Clinton.

Correspondents say one the thorniest issues in their talks will be the recent offer by American drug companies to cut the price of treatments for HIV and AIDS.

South Africa has said it cannot accept the offer if it means having to give up the right to seek cheaper generic drugs.

President Clinton said he was sympathetic to Mr Mbeki's aims, and would do what he could to resolve the dispute.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service