(Editor's note: In the original transmission of this press release, the internet address in the first paragraph did not transmit correctly.) NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's CreditWire) April 19, 2001—A full sovereign analysis on the Republic of Botswana is now available at www.standardandpoors.com under Standard&Poor's Forum-Ratings Analysis-Sovereigns, and on RatingsDirect, Standard&Poor's Web-based credit analysis system. The ratings on the Republic of Botswana, the highest among rated African governments, are supported by: -- Balance-sheet strength and expenditure flexibility. Public-sector net assets, at 106% of GDP, are among the highest of rated sovereigns. Development expenditure, budgeted at 17% of GDP in the fiscal year 2001/2002 (April-March), is an acknowledged candidate for cuts to accommodate expected increases in health
