Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
The South African Government reiterates its call for the full implementation of the Lusaka Protocol in Angola, if generalised conflict is to be averted in that country.
Following news of escalating conflict in Angola in recent days, Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad today met with representatives of the government of the Russian Federation, Portugal and the United States of America, who form part of the Troika which oversees the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol, as well as with the Ambassadors of Franc and Angola. Deputy Minister Pahad expressed grave concern about the alarming reports of the sharply deteriorating situation in Angola.
Deputy Minister Pahad reinforced calls for the United Nations to peedily appoint a Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to replace Mr Blondin Beye whose untimely death created a vacuum which is being exploited by forces intent on obstructing the peace process in Angola.
The South African Government again emphasises its commitment to fully implementing United Nations Security Council Resolutions against UNITA and urges the organization to fully comply with the outstanding provisions of the Lusaka Protocol in order to restore confidence in the all-important peace process.
Deputy President Thabo Mbeki will meet with various regional Heads of State at the Smart Partnership Conference in Swakopmund, Namibia tomorrow, where it is expected that he will also discuss the Angolan situation.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 25 JULY 1998