No UNITA ceasefire offer

The UNITA representative in Lisbon has denied reports that rebel leader Jonas Savimbi has asked for a truce in the Angolan conflict. Rui Oliveira on Thursday told Portuguese Renascenca radio, monitored by the BBC, that an alleged letter sent by Savimbi to President Jose Eduardo dos Santos does not exist. He said it was government propaganda, as were reports that the national army was in control of UNITA’s Bailundo headquarters. “The FAA (Angolan Armed Forces) have never taken Bailundo. They tried to take it, they were eight kilometres away but never took it. Bailundo remains under UNITA’s control.” Meanwhile, a UNITA communiqué has accused foreign governments and mercenaries of helping Luanda’s military effort. The statement, datelined Bailundo, alleged that Portugal is involved in operations planning, training and logistics. It claimed that Brazilian pilots have performed reconnaissance and bombing missions, and mercenaries from Eastern Europe, South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe have also been hired by the government. The focus of the government’s offensive are the provinces of Malange, Huambo, Bie and Uige. According to UNITA, in Uige, government forces are striking towards Sanza Pombo, Quimbele and Maquela do Zombo. In Malanje, they are marching on Kagandala, Mussende, Kalussinga, and aim to link up with a drive from Bie to Kuhinga and Andulo. Troops in Huambo are advancing on Bailundo on at least three fronts, the statement said.