Humanitarian crisis in Sudan - Assistant Secretary for African Affairs George E. Moose speech - includes statement by President Bill Clinton on recognition of government of Angola by U.S - Transcript

US Department of State Dispatch, May 24, 1993

Again, as we continue to focus on the situation in Sudan, you can play a critical role. Your resolution of April 3 sends a strong message to Khartoum. By publicly demonstrating interest and concern, the Congress can continue to play an important role.

The Administration looks forward to continued close contact with this committee as our Sudan policy evolves.

U.S. Recongnition

of Angolan Government

Statement by President Clinton, Washington, DC, May 19,1993.

Today I am pleased to announce the United States' recognition of the Government of Angola. This decision reflects the high priority that our Administration places on democracy.

In 1992, after years of bitter civil war, the people of Angola held a multi-party election that the United States, the United Nations, and others monitored and considered free and fair. Since taking office on January 20,1 have tried to use the possibility of U.S. recognition as a leverage toward promoting an end to the civil war and hostilities and, hopefully, the participation of all relevant political groups in the Government of Angola.

Sadly, the party that lost the election, UN ITA, resumed the fighting before the electoral process could even be completed. And UNITA has now refused to sign the peace agreement currently on the table. The Angolan Government, by contrast, has agreed to sign that peace agreement, has sworn in a democratically elected national assembly, and has offered participation by UNITA at all levels of government.

Today we recognize those achievements by recognizing the Government of the Republic of Angola. It is my hope that UNITA will accept a negotiated settlement and that it will be part of this government. I intend to continue working closely with the Government of Angola and with UNITA to achieve a lasting peace settlement and a vibrant democracy there. I hope the efforts of the United States have been helpful. I am confident that the Government of Angola has more than earned the recognition that the United States extends today.