DATE=10/21/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=ANGOLA / UNITA (L-O)
NUMBER=2-255316
BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA
DATELINE=JOHANNESBURG
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: There is no word from Angola on the fate of
leaders of the UNITA rebel movement, following the
government's capture of rebel strongholds in the
country's Central Highlands. Southern Africa
Correspondent Alex Belida brings us up to date on the
situation.
TEXT: Calls to the rebels' satellite telephone went
unanswered for the second day, and the whereabouts of
UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi remain a mystery. Angolan
government sources say they believe Mr. Savimbi and
his guards are fleeing to the east, toward the Zambian
border. But there has been no independent
confirmation of this.
The government of Angola announced Wednesday its
forces had captured Andulo and Bailundo, UNITA's main
strongholds in the country's Central Highlands. UNITA
claimed as recently as last Sunday that it still
controlled the two towns despite heavy fighting.
But news reports from Bailundo by both Angolan and
Portuguese journalists say there was little evidence
of a struggle. Police were seen patrolling the
streets and civilians were beginning to return to the
town.
The capture of the two rebel bases is the government's
biggest military success since the country's civil war
resumed late last year.
But analysts are voicing concern about possible UNITA
reactions to the loss. Top rebel officials have vowed
to carry on their guerrilla struggle against the
government in Luanda, for years if necessary.
UNITA Foreign Secretary Alcides Sakala told V-O-A
recently - time, for us, is not a problem. (SIGNED)
NEB/BEL/GE/LTD/RAE
21-Oct-1999 08:34 AM EDT (21-Oct-1999 1234 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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