Other State Department Archive Sites

The State Department web site below is a permanent electronic archive of information released online from January 1, 1997 to January 20, 2001. Please see www.state.gov for current material from the Department of State. Or visit http://2001-2009.state.gov for information from that period. Archive sites are not updated, so external links may no longer function. Contact us with any questions about finding information. NOTE: External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.

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

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
May 4, 1999

Humanitarian Workers in Angola

The United States remains deeply concerned by reports of continued attacks by UNITA on civilian populations in Angola. Such attacks have created untold hardship among tens of thousands of Angolans who have been forced to flee their homes and villages in search of refuge. The deliberate targeting of cities and villages is producing a humanitarian catastrophe in several parts of the country.

We call upon UNITA to respect the rights of civilians and to desist from willful targeting of civilian populations. We also strongly urge all concerned to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need throughout the territory of Angola; and to guarantee unconditionally the security and freedom of movement of humanitarian personnel seeking to assist Angolans displaced by the fighting.

[end of document]