SADC security heads to discuss dispute

Southern African security chiefs are to meet next month to discuss the deteriorating relations between Angola and Zambia, news reports said. The regional meeting follows two days of talks this week between Angolan and Zambian intelligence officials in Swaziland aimed at normalising relations between the two countries. Luanda has made repeated accusations that the Zambian government has allowed the transport of military supplies to the UNITA rebel movement through its territory, a charge denied by Lusaka. "The parties agreed to meet again as soon as possible under the chairmanship of Swaziland and with the participation of the SADC [Southern African Development Community] Interstate Defence and Security Committee member countries," Zambian Information Minister Newstead Zimba said on Wednesday. Zambian Foreign Minister Keli Walubita denied press reports that the Swaziland talks had been a failure. A Swaziland foreign ministry statement said the parties discussed in detail the allegations made by Angola and Zambia's denials of support to UNITA. According to Swazi radio, monitored by the BBC, both sides agreed that their security chiefs should meet regularly to avoid "misunderstandings".