§ 12. Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met the newly-appointed ambassador from the Republic of South Africa; and what was discussed.
§ Mrs. ChalkerMy right hon. and learned Friend has not yet had any formal discussions with the new South African ambassador since his appointment, but he expects to do so soon. I met the ambassador on 22 April last.
§ Mr. ColvinWhen my right hon. Friend meets the new ambassador formally, will she put on the agenda the independence of Namibia? Does she agree that the start of negotiations for the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola would be a significant step towards the implementation of Security Council resolution 435?
§ Mrs. ChalkerI can assure my hon. Friend that when my right hon. and learned Friend meets the South African ambassador he will consider Namibian independence. We remain committed to the United Nations Security Council resolution 435. It is the only internationally acceptable basis for a Namibian settlement. We have recently reminded the South African Government of the need for its early implementation. However, we have not set preconditions for the implementation of resolution 435, nor has the United Nations. We recognise that withdrawal of all foreign troops from Angola and Namibia would create the best possible conditions for a lasting settlement. We welcome the prospect of renewed United States-Angolan negotiations and will discuss that with Dr. Crocker later today.
§ Mr. Tom ClarkeWhen the Minister's right hon. and learned Friend takes part in such a meeting, will he express the distaste of the people of this country for South Africa's undermining and destabilising of the front-line states, most noticeably and most recently in Mozambique and Botswana?
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe hon. Gentleman already knows that no violence across borders, by whomsoever it is 491 committed, is likely to solve the grave problems of southern Africa. Indeed, whenever there is an incursion into another country, it is deprecated.