Dispute over debt to Yugoslavia

Angolan and Yugoslav officials have failed to reach an agreement over the size of Angola’s debt to Belgrade, state radio reported on Thursday. In a broadcast monitored by the BBC, it said talks had been adjourned for a month so that experts could determine a precise figure. It said most of the money was owed by private companies in Angola. “The figures could not be reconciled. We have agreed that the two sides should be given a month to reconcile the figures,” said Angolan Finance Minister Joaquim David. “We used our diplomatic channels to inform the other side that we felt surprised over the discrepany in figures placed before our delegation. We are pleased to note that the Yugoslavs have responded favourably to our demarche.” He said the government would have to consult with a number of companies which entered into deals with Yugoslavia more than 10 years ago. “In any event, the difference between their and our figures is not very significant. We will see whether it is possible to reach an agreement within a month and then sign the relevant documentation,” he said.