Govts agree on Angola planreport

Press, 21 July 1988, Page 8

Govts agree on Angola planreport

NZPA-AFP New York The three Governments directly involved in ending the Angolan conflict — Angola, South Africa and Cuba — have approved in principle a plan to end the Angolan war and move toward Namibian independence, the “New York Times” reported yesterday. The plan, formulated in New York last week, was examined on Monday in Cape Town by South Africa’s State Security Council, the supreme body on security matters chaired by President Pieter Botha.

The Foreign Minister, Pik Botha, announced that he would spell out South Africa’s reaction to the principles for peace yesterday, but later postponed a press conference until today to coincide with decisions to be announced by Cuba and Angola.

The “New York Times,” citing unidentified foreign diplomats and American officials, said Angola, South Africa and Cuba had all informed Washington of their acceptance of the principles initialled by their delegates at the quadripartite talks.

The adoption of the New York document is considered an important initiative toward peace in southern Africa.

The programme of principles involves a withdrawal of South African and Cuban troops from Angola, and is linked to the implementation of United Nations Resolution 435 for independence for Namibia, which South Africa currently occupies in defiance of the United Nations.

Top American officials have warned that the initiative could collapse over details and that talks could go on for months before a final agreement is reached.