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GV United Nations Security Council in session on Angolan application for U.N. membership
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CU Chinese Deputy Ambassador Lai Ya-Lit
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SV United States Ambassador William Scranton addressing Council
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SV French Ambassador Jacques Lecompte addressing Council
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"It is hard to reconcile the presence of a massive contingent of Cuban troops with a claim that Angola enjoys truly independent status. The Angolan government exercises only tenuous control over much of Angola that still resists domination by the regime in Luanda. The fact that it depends heavily on Cuban forces for the maintenance of its security casts doubt on the degree of popular support which it can command within the country. It is clear that the Cuban army, a foreign, non-African force, is waging a bloody and difficult guerrilla war in three separate areas of Angola. We have heard disturbing reports that these Cuban occupation forces have been carrying out military assaults upon undefended villages and towns in Angola.



These reported attacks include the killing of refugees, the burning of villages and the slaughter of the people's main source of food and livelihood -- their cattle. Reportedly several thousand Angolans have fled from this recent onslaught across the border into Namibia. We continue to believe that there is absolutely no justification for such a large foreign, armed presence in an African state."




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Background: The Security Council has voted in favour of Angolan's admission to the United Nations, after the United States reversed its previous policy by abstaining rather than vetoing the move. Monday's (22 November) vote clears the way for the General Assembly to admit Angola as its 146th member.

SYNOPSIS: China declined to participate in the vote. Both Koan and the United States object to the continued presence of Cuban troops in the country. U.S. Ambassador William Scranton told the Council why.

In contrast, French Ambassador Jacques Lecompte said that his country was in favour of Angola's admittance, stating that the requirements for membership of the United Nations had been fulfilled by the Luanda government. He added that France had recognised the new government in Angola in February this year, and he advised other members of the Security Council to look favourably on the country's application for membership.

Apart from the United States and China, the 13 other members of the Security Council voted to admit Angola. Mr. Scranton said the U.S. was dropping its opposition to the renewed application "out of deference to African views".