15 FBIS WEU 90 019 29 January 1990 PORTUGAL Angola (UNITA. arrived here on Saturday (27 January for an eight day visit, his first to Portugal since Angolan independence in 1975. UNITA spokesman said Mr. Savimbi, who is accompanied by some 30 aides and bodyguards, would meet a wide range of political, religious and union officials during his stay here. source at the presidential palace said the UNITA leader, in a private capacity, would meet President Mario Soares later Saturday but that a meeting was not planned with Prime Minister Anibal Cavaco Silva.
Mr. Savimbi visit here is his first since 1975, when Portugal granted independence to Angola. Trips planned over the past three years had to be delayed when the authorities declined to grant an entry visa to Mr. Savimbi.
The latest trip was put back from January 13 following an offensive by the Angolan army against UNITA positions in southern Angola.
Mr. Savimbi was met at the airport by some 1, 500 supporters. Posters of the UNITA leader with the message Angola UNITA Peace Democracy were also put up by supporters some streets of the capital.
From the airport, Mr. Savimbi headed for the convent at Jeronimos, where he is to lay a wreath on the tomb of the poet Camoes, a practice followed by heads of state visiting Portugal During his stay, Mr. Savimbi is scheduled to meet a parliamentary commission on foreign affairs, businessmen, students, journalists and union and religious representatives.
His visit comes just 48 hours after Cuba and Luanda announced that the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola was being suspended.
Havana said the decision to suspend the pullout was made to protest the killing of four Cuban soldiers last Sunday 21 January) by UNITA guerrillas.
The visit also coincides with the stay here by the deputy Angolan defense minister, Colonel Antonio Paulo Kassompa, at the invitation of the Portuguese Ministry of Defense.
very important for me to return to Portugal and 10 directly convey my message to the Portuguese people and if possible the Angolan people. Moniz Do you have any indication whether you will be meeting any members of the Portuguese Government. Savimbi) Well, think so. words indistinct) On the one hand, yes, because for me it does not matter whether they receive me in a party of government capacity. What want is for the authorities of the party or the government to receive my message. That is the most important thing. Moniz Can you confirm your intention to ask Portugal to play a more intervening role in the peace process in Angola? mediating role. Savimbi Let me explain. think that what we need now is to move ahead. What is happening is that this African mediation is at an impasse. Portugal, knowing the situation in Angola, as well as being on good terms with the MPLA (Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola) government in Luanda and now with this visit of ours opening communications chanels with the Portuguese Government the Portuguese Government could reactivate this process. First, it could convey communications between UNITA and the MPLA, as well as interesting certain European countries, because we cannot continue to be at war. Moniz) Therefore, are you ruling out any African mediation. Savimbi) think that Portugal can help African mediation. African mediation has not been ruled out. But what we need is peace in Angola.
Moniz) Do you have confidence in the mediator. Savimbi We have confidence in Mobuto, but think that it is very important for African mediation not to represent inaction. If not. Moniz interrupting) Do you accuse President Mobuto of this. Savimbi) think that we are going ahead (words indistinct. Moniz You are aware that you are coming to Portugal at a time when things are not so calm here. Cuban soldiers died a few days ago north of the 13th parallel.
These Cuban soldiers were waiting to leave for Havana.
They were killed by UNITA. How do you explain this. Savimbi) The problem is not only that there are actions in Lobito. Because it was in Lobito, but a hellish offensive, an MPLA offensive against our positions in Lomba.
Savate. Therefore, the war cannot be (word indistinct. For us, peace has to be total and not only in Lobito Therefore, this can be an explanation. Second it was unintentional because we have given strict instructions to our fighters not to attack the Cubans. Moniz) Well, but it is said that one of the Cubans was barbarously knifed. It does not seem to have been so unintentional.
Speaks on Peace Prospects LD280105 3990 Lisbon International Service in Portuguese 2000 GMT 27 Jan 90 Interview with Jonas Savimbi, National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) leader, by correspondent Jose Eduardo Moniz; in the studio live. Excerpts) Moniz Jonas Malheiro Savimbi, 55, UNITA leader, is here in person this evening. Dr Savimbi, why was it so important for you to come to Portugal. Savimbi It was very important because Angola and Portugal have a lot in common. words indistinct) It was