Briefs

Press, 22 July 1989, Page 10

Briefs

Black pushes for N.P. A black businessman living in South Africa has launched an unprecedented appeal to white voters to cast their ballots in upcoming elections for the ruling National Party — the party which has promoted policies of racial segregation since 1948. At an N.P. meeting in the Johannesburg suburb of Randburg, a Somali businessman, Mr Hassan Ahmed Weheli said: “I do not yet have the right to vote, but to those of you who have the privilege I strongly recommend you vote for the National Party.” Addressing an all-white audience, Mr Weheli, who attended the meeting in support of friend and former Foreign Ministry official, Mr Glenn Babb, who is seen as a leading advocate of closer ties with black Africa, said he had seen a “dramatic change in thinking and attitudes” in Pre-toria.—NZPA-AFP. Women for pilots Women will be able to train as pilots and navigators with the British Royal Air Force for the first time beginning next year, the Ministry of Defence has announced. But women will not be able to fly jet fighters, strike aircraft or ground support helicopters, in keeping with the air force policy forbidding women from taking on combat roles. However, they will be able to fly aircraft engaged in carrying passengers and freight, air-to-air refuelling, search and rescue and other operations, as well as teach flying, a Ministry of Defence statement said.—NZPA-AP. Poindexter charges The independent prosecutor, Mr Lawrence Walsh, has asked a federal judge to dismiss the most serious Iran-Contra charges against the retired Admiral John Poindexter, Oliver North’s former White House boss. Mr Walsh said he was trying to avoid delaying Poindexter’s trial over the use of sensitive national security secrets by dropping charges of conspiracy to divert funds from United States arms sales to Iran, theft of Government property and fraud. Poindexter would still face criminal charges of lying to Congress and obstructing the congressional Iran-Contra investigation at his trial, expected to start this autumn. Poindexter was Ronald Reagan’s national security adviser for nearly a year until he resigned when the Iran-Contra scandal was disclosed on November 25. 1986—NZPA-Reuter.