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'I AM VERY SORRY OVER HIV REMARK'

SORRY: Timothy Myeni apologises. PHOTO: VELI NHLAPO 20090528VNH. Swaziland MP Timothy Myeni made remarks last week on "branding people with HIV". He apologised but stated he had asked a question and did not make a statement.PHOTO:VELI NHLAPO.
SORRY: Timothy Myeni apologises. PHOTO: VELI NHLAPO 20090528VNH. Swaziland MP Timothy Myeni made remarks last week on "branding people with HIV". He apologised but stated he had asked a question and did not make a statement.PHOTO:VELI NHLAPO.

POPULAR gospel singer and Swaziland member of parliament Timothy Myeni has withdrawn his controversial HIV-Aids statement.

POPULAR gospel singer and Swaziland member of parliament Timothy Myeni has withdrawn his controversial HIV-Aids statement.

Myeni, of Ncandweni fame, last week called for all people who tested HIV-positive in the country to be branded on their buttocks.

He reportedly said: "Before having sex with anyone, people should check the buttocks of their partners."

His comments created an international furore, with South African musicians and Aids lobby groups threatening to boycott his music and disrupt his concerts.

Myeni admitted yesterday that he was wrong and apologised to the public, especially those affected by and infected with HIV-Aids.

"I am very sorry for being insensitive, what I said was inappropriate," he said.

Myeni insisted that it was not his intention to discriminate or promote stigmatisation.

The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) said Myeni's comments have done more damage than he realises.

"When we read what Myeni had said, we were outraged. For a man who preaches the word of God it is hard to believe that he discriminates against HIV-positive people."

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