DATE=9/17/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=ANGOLA/FIGHTING (S ONLY)
NUMBER=2-254012
BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA
DATELINE=JOHANNESBURG
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: A senior official of Angola's UNITA rebel
movement claims government troops have launched a
major offensive against the rebels' main strongholds
in the country's Central Highlands. V-O-A
Correspondent Alex Belida reports from our Southern
Africa bureau.
TEXT: UNITA General Paulo Lukamba Gato tells V-O-A
(Portuguese Service) by satellite telephone that
Angolan government troops backed by artillery and
aircraft are moving against the rebels' twin Central
Highlands strongholds, Andulo and Bailundo.
He says the government soldiers are advancing out of
the previously rebel-besieged provincial capitals of
Huambo and Cuito as well as Malange.
Government officials have not been available for
comment. The latest round of Angola's civil war
erupted late last year, when government forces
attempted to seize the rebels' headquarters but failed
and were rapidly driven back.
Since then, UNITA forces have taken control of an
estimated 70 percent of the country. The renewed
fighting marked the collapse of a United Nations
backed peace effort. (Signed)
NEB/BELJWH/ENE/WTW
17-Sep-1999 12:03 PM EDT (17-Sep-1999 1603 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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