U.N. call to Portugal

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33083, 25 November 1972, Page 23

U.N. call to Portugal

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) NEW YORK, Nov. 24. The Security Council, responding to hints of a readiness in Lisbon to begin a “constructive dialogue” on the future of the Portuguese African territories last night unanimously approved a call

for negotiations “with the

parties concerned.” Exiled spokesmen for the nationalist movements in Angola, Mozambique, and Portuguese Guinea at once claimed the right to negotiate self-determination and independence for these territories’ African peoples. The Portuguese delegation, however, declined comment on the resolution, saying that this would have to come from Lisbon after Ministers studied the text. At a press conference organised by African delegates after the council adjourned, Mr Mercelino dos Santos of die Mozambique Nationalist Movement, Frelimo, said that military successes against the Portuguese were responsible for a change of heart in Lisbon. But Mr Mohamed Sahnoun, assistant secretary-general of the Organisation of African Unity, who answered questions at the press conference, appeared less certain that Portugal would respond to the council’s appeal. He noted there was a provision in the resolution for further consideration of the problem if Lisbon paid no heed within a reasonable time.