TANZANIA: SWAPO leader Sam Nujoma speaks at Eight-state African meeting in Namibia (South West Africa)

Record ID: 862758

  • Title: TANZANIA: SWAPO leader Sam Nujoma speaks at Eight-state African meeting in Namibia (South West Africa)
  • Date: 19th November 1981
  • Summary: DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA (VISNEWS - HIRALAL CHHIPA) SV PAN Delegates arriving for meeting at Kilimanjaro International Hotel in Dar es Salaam SV SWAP Leader Sam Nujoma talking to official SV Tanzanian acting Foreign Minister Ben Mkapa talking to Press SV Nujoma talking to Press SPEECH (TRANSCRIPT) (SEQ 4) NUJOMA: "Here at the meeting of the front line states, Nigeria and Kenya have once more reaffirmed their support for the cause of the liberation of Namibia."
  • Embargoed: 4th December 1981 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Tanzania, United Republic of
  • City:
  • Country: Tanzania
  • Topics: International Relations,Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVAAWL1G8T7OYYR1ST5UJM2FGF7Y
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • Story Text: INTRODUCTION: Ministers from eight black African states have pledged their determination to see independence for Namibia (South West Africa) by the end of the year. Their pledge came at two-day meeting in the Tanzanian capital Dar es Salaam which was called to discuss Western proposals for Namibian independence from South Africa. A plan to achieve independence has been drawn up by the five-nation Contact Group, comprising the United States, Canada, West Germany, France and Britain.

    SYNOPSIS: The Western countries hope to secure the backing of African states for their plan. And when the eight front-line states began their meeting, the Western proposals were high on the agenda. Sam Nujoma, head of the South West Africa Peoples Organisation, was at the talks. Acting Tanzanian Foreign Minister, Ben Mkapa, described progress so far.

    He said that the meeting of the front line African states had agreed on its reply to the Western proposals. However the substance of this reply could not, as yet, be publicly announced, as it was first to be presented to the countries of the Contact Group. Mr. Mkapa also said that in reviewing the Western proposals, the ministers had been careful to safeguard the right of Namibians to write the constitution of their own country. He added that the people of Namibia should also determine the structure of their government and be able to freely elect rulers of their choice. The acting Tanzanian Foreign Minister emphasised the ministers' determination that Namibians should enjoy full human rights without fear of discrimination. Namibia has a population of one million blacks and 100,000 whites. Western officials have been hoping for an early reply to the plan so more substantial talks on the timing of the independence process can be begin early next year. Mr. Mkapa blamed South Africa for the slow progress in achieving independence for Namibia. The ministers from the eight African countries, Angola, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Nigeria, also attached. South Africa for its use of Namibia as a military base for operations into neighbouring Angola. SWAPO leader Sam Nujoma praised African support for his cause.

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