FNLA leader calls on 'Angolan soldiers' to lay down arms

Holden Roberto, the president of the National Front for the Liberation of Angola [FNLA], on Friday launched an appeal to all Angolan soldiers to lay down their arms with a view to solving the conflict through dialogue, the Portuguese newspaper 'Diario de Noticias' reported. "As the oldest pioneer of the fight for national independence, I am appealing to your patriotism and sense of fraternity, to lay down your arms and end the self destruction which this useless, unjust war has been causing since 1975," said Roberto.

FNLA was formed in 1962 and was one of three liberation movements that fought the Portuguese colonial government. Of the other two, the MPLA triumphed and has ruled Angola since 1975, but has remained at war with UNITA, the third group led by Jonas Savimbi. The appeal was sent to the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) and the Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FALA-UNITA's army) and added that "brave and heroic soldiers should defend the nation, not kill it, which is unfortunately happening at this time".