Hello Peter
Here is some interesting news:
News on Angola
Angolan Government Lifts Suspension of UNITA
Wire Reports on September 24, 1998
The Government of Angola yesterday lifted the suspension of UNITA from the government. The suspension had been imposed last month due to repeated violations of the Lusaka peace agreement. Angolan Prime Minister Franca Van-Dunem said late yesterday that the decision to rescind the suspension was made after consultations between the government and the provisional leadership set up by UNITA dissidents who split from Jonas Savimbi's movement earlier this month. The text of the government communiqué is listed below.
"The Government of the Republic of Angola wishes to inform national and international public opinion that it has received the necessary political clarification regarding the Angolan peace process from the new leadership of UNITA. As a result, the suspension of members of this party exercising functions in the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation decreed 31 August 1998 is hereby rescinded.
"The referenced suspension is lifted effective the first minute of the new day, 24 September 1998.
"The Angolan Government wishes to take advantage of this occasion to reiterate once again its firm commitment to fulfilling completely the provisions of the Lusaka Protocol."
Luanda, 23 September 1998
Six Hundred UNITA Soldiers Abandon Savimbi
Wire Reports on September 22, 1998
Six hundred soldiers of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) have abandoned leader Jonas Savimbi to join the dissidents. Approximately 1,000 people, including the soldiers, left military camps in Cunene province for Kuveyali and asked to join the UNITA "renewal committee", which is opposed to Savimbi.
Government Forces Take Back Lumero
Wire Reports on September 18, 1998
On Friday, Government forces recaptured the small diamond-rich town of Lumero, in northeastern Angola, which UNITA rebels took in late August. In addition, Government forces also recaptured the towns of Makela-do-Zombo and Damba in the northern province of Uije.
TV Says UNITA Forces Have Killed Renewal Committee Sympathizers
Televisao Popular de Angola on September 15, 1998
Jonas Savimbi's forces have killed National Union for the Total Independence of Angola [UNITA] sympathizers who wanted to join the UNITA Renewal Committee led by Jorge Valentim. This was revealed by Uige Provincial Governor Serafim Cananito Alexandre in an interview on TPA's "Opinion" program this afternoon.
[Alexandre - recording] Many UNITA soldiers have been killed for refusing to return to the bush to wage war. Many others were intercepted when they were preparing to present themselves to the authorities. Nevertheless, many other groups of UNITA elements have been able to present themselves in Puri, Sanza Pombo and Negage. Over the weekend, for example, Mr. Manuvakola presided over a ceremony where he received weapons from a group of UNITA elements. Unfortunately, the TPA was not represented. A ceremony was held, during which many UNITA elements, about 500 of them, handed over their weapons.
[Unidentified correspondent] Where did this ceremony take place?
[A] It took place in Uige and it was presided over by Mr. Manuvakola.
[Q] You are saying 500 soldiers presented themselves over the weekend alone?
[A] That is right. They presented themselves in Negage, Puri and Sanza Pombo districts. The ceremony took place in Negage.
[Q] Did the group include soldiers with military ranks?
[A] It included soldiers with low ranks because those with higher military ranks have already joined the Angolan Armed Forces.
UNITA Forces Attack Areas In Cuanza Norte, Zaire Provinces
Radio Nacional De Angola On September 13, 1998
Men from Jonas Savimbi's National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) attacked Kirima Ward, 20 km from Ndalatando, in Cuanza Norte Province, stealing property, seriously injuring a number of people and kidnapping youths, Angolan government radio reported on 13th September. The radio said that UNITA forces had also attacked the Kalambata area in Zaire Province, killing and injuring a number of people.
Radio Reports Two "Senior" UNITA Officers Join Breakaway Group
Radio Nacional De Angola On September 13, 1998
Two senior National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) officers, living in Bailundo, have joined the UNITA Renewal Committee, Angolan government radio reported on 13th September. The radio reported that, according to the officers, UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi "has many troops and plans to intensify his destabilization actions" . The officers were also quoted as saying that Savimbi had been distributing national police uniforms to his soldiers in order "to conceal his criminal activities."
Angolan Minister Says Nothing Final Decided
Televisao Popular de Angola on September 12, 1998
The Democratic Republic of the Congo's [DRC] political and military crisis continues to attract attention, in addition to OAU [Organization of African Unity] and other African initiatives to settle it.
Addis Ababa today hosted a meeting of the Angolan, Namibian and Zimbabwean defence ministers to help define cease-fire modalities and the withdrawal of invading troops. However, the warring sides failed to bridge any gaps and Angolan Defence Minister General Pedro Sebastiao has already returned to Luanda...
[Sebastiao] Peace should return soon. Everything hinges on political goodwill, especially on the part of Uganda and Rwanda. To some extent, these countries tried to destroy the meeting.
[Unidentified reporter] [Words indistinct] further disrupt the talks?
[Sebastiao] Despite the Ugandan and Rwandan teams' departure just before the end of the meeting, work will continue under the OAU's auspices and the meeting's results will be assessed. [End of recording]
Minister Sebastiao noted that invasion continues to be the main problem, so regional solidarity is the right response.
[Sebastiao] Those countries left the meeting because of the accusations levelled against them.
[Reporter] So will we see continued, concerted regional military action against this invasion of the DRC?
[Sebastiao] We are not (?there as countries). We are there as part of the Southern African Development Community, SADC. As you know, the DRC is a member country.
[Reporter] What troops will come out of the region?
[Sebastiao] We discussed the possibility of SADC, Rwandan and Ugandan forces withdrawing from the DRC.
[Reporter] And what was decided in this respect?
[Sebastiao] This was precisely what we discussed: withdrawal and a subsequent cease-fire.
[Reporter] What [words indistinct]?
[Sebastiao] You might say we did not reach any conclusive decisions.
Official Meets Foreign Envoys, Explains UNITA's Suspension
Televisao Popular De Angola On September 11, 1998
Deputy Foreign Minister Joao Miranda today granted separate audiences to French, Belgian and Portuguese envoys, as well as the executive secretary of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, CPLP.
Miranda explained to all the diplomats the Angolan government's decision to suspend National Union for the Total Independence of Angola [UNITA] officials from the Unity and National Reconciliation Government, GURN...
Miranda said the following about the suspension of UNITA officials:
[Miranda - recording] The Angolan government's position is well founded in that it is in accordance with national, legal requirements. We would like to make this clear so there are no doubts about it. The government has now engaged in talks with the UNITA (?free movement) because it has distanced itself from that party's militarist wing. Obviously, UNITA is the other Lusaka Protocol signatory and together we must see what remains to be done...
Report Says UNITA Activists In Namibe Province Back Breakaway Group
Televisao Popular De Angola On September 11, 1998
National Union for the Total Independence of Angola [UNITA] militants in Namibe Province have expressed their solidarity with the UNITA Renewal Committee's manifesto stressing the need for peace in Angola. In a statement yesterday, these UNITA militants expressed their encouragement regarding measures to complete the Lusaka Protocol's implementation...
UNITA's Manuvakola Addresses Rally in M'banza Congo
Luanda TPA Television on September 10, 1998
A delegation from the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola [UNITA] led by Eugenio Manuvakola is in M'banza Congo, Zaire Province, to mobilize support for the UNITA Renewal Committee. Like his colleague, Jorge Valentim in Lobito, Eugenio Munuvakola presided over a rally at the city's sports club. The peace message he conveyed at the rally was greatly applauded by those present.
[Begin Manuvakola recording] We must put an end to the war. We are wasting time and retarding our progress because of war. [applause] Those who enjoy peace are able to become doctors and engineers. They have plenty of money and are able to build good houses. They are wealthy. They produce computers, they are able to go to the Moon and Mars, and they have the latest technology.
All we know is to wage war because we are unable to reconcile. This country runs the risk of being enslaved by other countries. It is thus the duty of each and every Angolan to fight to avoid renewed war in the country.
Do we agree? [crowd shouts: "yes"] When war is justified people can be mobilized to support it but when it cannot be justified, it cannot enjoy their support.
We, the UNITA Provisional Leadership, have always stressed that there are is only one UNITA. At this moment, we represent UNITA. Savimbi is out of UNITA. [applause]
In terms of the law, only those who are unarmed can be a political party. Savimbi is armed and therefore he cannot speak of having a political party. He is a rebel and armed gangster who must be fought. [end recording]
Divide and conquer...
Regards |
