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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by Lee McClenny, Acting Spokesman
January 2, 1999

Angola--Loss of Another UN Plane

The United States is shocked and saddened by the loss of a second United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA) plane in one week. A UN-chartered aircraft reportedly went down over UNITA-held territory on January 2 with 8 passengers and crew. While the final passenger list is not confirmed, we are aware of at least one American citizen aboard. The fate of the passengers and crew is uncertain, since the crash site has not yet been reached.

The Government of Angola has given assurances of its willingness to provide any possible assistance to a search and rescue effort. The United States insists that UNITA provide its immediate, full cooperation with MONUA in the face of this latest air disaster. Furthermore, UNITA and the government should agree to permit and assist search and rescue efforts for this aircraft and the previously downed MONUA flight.

The United States is troubled by the continued fighting in Angola that threatens both Angola’s citizens and the security of MONUA. We remain convinced that only a negotiated settlement can bring peace to Angola.

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