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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release February 10, 1994

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The Administration is deeply concerned about the intensified military activities in Angola and the threat these hostilities pose to the substantial progress made over months of negotiations in Lusaka. The recent fighting in Cuito has been especially destructive in loss of life and property and has jeopardized the humanitarian assistance effort to this besieged city.

We condemn this latest outbreak of violence and call upon the Government of the Republic of Angola and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) to end the fighting throughout the country so that peace negotiations can move rapidly forward.

Through the efforts of U.N. Special Representative, former Malian Foreign Minister Alioune Blondin Beye, and U.S. Special Representative Paul J. Hare, impressive progress has been made towards a comprehensive peace agreement. We strongly urge the Government of Angola and UNITA to recommit to a total cease-fire and redouble their efforts towards ending the suffering of the Angolan people. We look to the leaders of Angola to demonstrate a determined resolve to bring peace to all Angolans. A lasting peace and a vibrant democracy in Angola will require the sustained commitment of all Angolans as well as the support of the international community, particularly regarding Angola's substantial humanitarian needs.

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