§ 12. Mr. Hooleyasked the Lord Privy Seal what action the Five Power Group now proposes to take in the light of 256 the rejection by South Africa of the United Nations plan for the independence of Namibia to which South Africa had previously agreed.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Richard Luce)South Africa has not rejected the United Nations plan for Namibia. On the contrary, the Secretary-General's report of 24 November to the Security Council, issued after consultation with all concerned, including South Africa, envisages March 1981 as the target date for implementation, subject to agreement on the final arrangements for the United Nations plan at a pre-implementation meeting beginning on 7 January 1981. The Secretary-General has asked the five Western negotiating Powers to send observers. The Five will continue to use their influence to help achieve independence for Namibia.
§ Mr. HooleyWill the Minister say a little more about the pre-implementation meeting? Who will be invited to it, under what auspices will it be held, and where will it be held? Will that in any way hinder the implementation of full independence for Namibia in 1981?
§ Mr. LuceThe purpose of the meeting is to try to reach a successful conclusion to the arrangements for the implementation of the United Nations plan. It is to be held on 7 January. The precise location has not yet been agreed. The United Nations will chair the meeting, and the principal participants will be the main parties to the dispute, that is to say, SWAPO, South Africa and the internal parties. The five Western Powers will act as observers.