HC Deb 30 November 1988 vol 142 cc296-7W
40. Miss Lestor

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current peace talks concerning the war in Angola.

Mrs. Chalker

We have lent our full support to the United States-led negotiations. We warmly welcome the recent agreement on a timetable for Cuban troop withdrawal from Angola. We urge the parties to move forward quickly to implementation of the United Nations plan for Namibian independence.

62. Mr. Lawrence

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has as to why the MPLA Angolan Government have so far ignored Dr. Savimbi's offer of peace, in view of South African military withdrawal.

Mrs. Chalker

It is for the Angolan Government to respond to whatever Mr. Savimbi may have said. We would welcome any moves which led to peace in Angola.

76. Mr. Alexander

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has as to whether there has been any withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola.

Mrs. Chalker

We are not aware yet of any withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola. However, agreement has been reached between the Angolan, Cuban and South African Governments on a timetable for total Cuban troop withdrawal. We look to the early implementation of this agreement.

88. Mr. Knowles

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has ascertained from those African leaders most closely involved with bringing about a settlement to the civil war in Angola what terms and conditions are being required by the MPLA Government of Angola in order to negotiate with UNITA.

Mrs. Chalker

We are, of course, in touch with African leaders in the region. It is, however, for the parties concerned to bring the war to an end. We would welcome any move to establish internal peace in Angola which had the support of both sides.

97. Mr. Amos

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the United States Administration, and in particular Dr. Chester Crocker, on the agreement on the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola.

Mrs. Chalker

I refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State's speech in the debate on the Address.

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