Independence for Nambia close?

Press, 24 September 1988, Page 10

Independence for Nambia close?

NZPA-Reuter Pretoria Namibian independence could be at hand, the United Nations Secretary-General, Javier Perez de Cuellar, said in Pretoria on the eve of a crucial meeting with the South African President P. W. Botha. South Africa has ruled Namibia, which is rich in minerals including diamonds and uranium, in the face of United Nation condemnation, a worldwide arms embargo and guerrilla opposition by the black South West Africa People’s Organisation. Visiting South Africa

for the first time since 1983, Mr Perez de Cuellar said after initial talks on Thursday: “We are closer than ever to a solution.” Officials said he would call on Mr Botha at his office in the Union Buildings, which overlook Pretoria from a commanding 5 hillside. Mr Botha repeatedly has dampened enthusiasm created by his Foreign Minister, Pik Botha, about an early settlement in Namibia and neighbouring Angola. Though South Africa has withdrawn its troops from Angola as part of a ceasefire al-

ready in place, President Botha has warned often that the truce is fragile. The ceasefire is part of a United Statesmediated package linking Namibian independence to the withdrawal of an estimated 50,000 Cuban troops from Angola and an end to South African support for pro-Western U.N.I.T.A. rebels fighting the Luanda Government. Cuba and Angola have yet to announce a date for the withdrawal, which Pretoria sets as the main condition for Namibia’s independence after 73 years of white rule.