HC Deb 09 May 1988 vol 133 cc6-7W
Mr. Hunter

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on the communiqué issued by representatives of the United States, South African, Angolan and Cuban Governments following their recently concluded meeting in London about the situation in Angola;

(2) what assessment he has made of the implications for United Kingdom policy on the maintenance of stability in southern Africa of the non-involvement of UNITA in the recently concluded meeting in London about the situation in Angola; and if he will make a statement;

(3) what representations he made to the United States, South African, Angolan and Cuban Governments before or during the recently concluded meeting in London about the situation in Angola;

(4) what assessment he has made of the implications for United Kingdom policy on the maintenance of stability in southern Africa of the South African Government's reaction to the recently concluded meeting in London about the situation in Angola;

(5) what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on proposals to link the search for a solution in Angola with an internal settlement in Namibia;

(6) what assessment he has made of the implications for United Kingdom policy on the maintenance of stability in southern Africa of the non-involvement of SWAPO in the recently concluded meeting in London about the situation in Angola; and if he will make a statement;

(7) what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the revival at the recent London meeting of the 1978 United Nations' plan for a solution in Angola; and if he will make a statement;

(8) what assessment he has made of the implications for United Kingdom policy on the maintenance of stability in southern Africa of the differing timetables for Cuban withdrawal from Angola envisaged by the South African and Cuban Governments;

(9) what representations he proposes to make to the Governments of the United States, South Africa, Cuba and Angola before their next meeting about the situation in Angola.

Mrs. Chalker

We were not directly involved in the talks held in London on 3–4 May, and it is not for us to comment on the details of them. However, we are encouraged by the progress made and the agreement by all parties on a further meeting in Africa. My right hon. and learned Friend, my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary and senior officials held bilateral meetings with members of all delegations. We support the US-led process designed to secure the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola and the implementation of the UN plan for Namibian independence. Withdrawal of all foreign troops from Angola, together with implementation of UN Security Council resolution 435, would contribute substantially to the stability of the region. We encourage all those involved in the search for peace to continue their efforts.

Mr. Hunter

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made, or proposes to make, to the Soviet Union following the recently concluded meeting in London about the situation in Angola.

Mrs. Chalker

We would expect the subject to arise in our regular contacts with the Soviet Union.