August 1988
This is the full text of the statement that came out of the Geneva meeting in August. It was issued simultaneously from Havana, Luanda and Pretoria.
The delegations of the People's Republic of Angola, the Republic of Cuba, the Republic of South Africa and the United States of America met August 2nd to 5th in Geneva, Switzerland, to continue their efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in south-western Africa.
Building on the progress made at London, Cairo and New York, the negotiations in Geneva were detailed, positive and productive.
The delegations of Angola, Cuba and South Africa agreed on a sequence of steps necessary to prepare the way for the independence of Namibia in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 435, and to achieve peace in south-western Africa.
They agreed to recommend to the Secretary-General of the United Nations (Javier Perez de Cuellar) the date of November 1st 1988 for the beginning of implementation of 435.
The parties approved ad referendum to their respective governments the text of a tripartite agreement that embodies in binding treaty form the principles negotiated at Governor's Island in New York, and formally approved by governments on July 20th 1988.
On their side, Angola and Cuba reiterated their decision to subscribe to a bilateral accord which will include a timetable acceptable to all parties for the staged and total withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola.
The parties have undertaken to reach agreement on this timetable by September 1st 1988.
The parties approved a comprehensive series of practical steps that will enhance mutual confidence, reduce the risk of military confrontation, and create the conditions in the region necessary to conclude the negotiations.
With the approval of these measures, a de facto cessation of hostilities is now in effect.
The full effects of these measures will become apparent in the weeks ahead.
The next round of negotiations at the level of senior officials will take place during the week of August 22nd, with the exact date and venue to be established.
All the delegations expressed their, appreciation for the superb facilities and support extended by the Government of Switzerland.