DATE=10/6/1999
TYPE=EDITORIAL
TITLE=EDITORIAL: ANGOLA'S CIVIL WAR
NUMBER=0-08476
CONTENT=
Anncr: The Voice of America presents differing
points of view on a wide variety of issues. Next,
an editorial expressing the policies of the United
States Government:
Voice: A civil war has been devastating the
southwest African nation of Angola for the past
twenty five years. Five years ago, it appeared
the conflict was finally coming to an end, when
the government and the rebels, known as UNITA,
negotiated a peace accord called the Lusaka
Protocols. Unfortunately, UNITA did not comply
with its obligations under the accord, the cease-
fire was breached, and the fighting resumed.
Since then, thousands more have died. Today, the
humanitarian situation in Angola remains critical,
with an estimated one and three quarter million
people internally displaced.
In recent weeks, the Angolan government has
stepped up its offensive against UNITA forces in
the north and in the country's central highlands.
Government troops recently beseiged the UNITA
stronghold of Bailundo. Bailundo is one of four
towns in the central highlands that UNITA refused
to turn over to the government last year, despite
a commitment to do so under the Lusaka Protocols.
By its failure to comply with the peace accord,
UNITA continues to make a bad situation worse.
According to the United Nations Security Council,
UNITA forces are still assaulting and murdering
civilians and aid workers. UNITA has deliberately
targeted cities and villages, forcing tens of
thousands of Angolans to flee their homes. These
reckless attacks must stop.
Indeed, it is time for both the Angolan government
and UNITA to bring this war to an end. Both sides
must recognize that they cannot continue to ignore
the devastating impact that the fighting has had
on the lives of ordinary Angolans.
Anncr: That was an editorial expressing the
policies of the United States Government. If you
have a comment, please write to Editorials, V-O-A,
Washington, D-C, 20547, U-S-A. You may also
comment at www-dot-voa-dot-gov-slash-editorials,
or fax us at (202) 619-1043.
05-Oct-1999 16:13 PM EDT (05-Oct-1999 2013 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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