NSDD 212 United States Policy towards Angola

UNCLASSIFIED 2 This strategy will consist of the following elements: -- openings offered by the MPLA, including in the negotiating Develop overt means of increasing pressure on and pursue track, to achieve an agreement on Cuban troop withdrawal; Work actively with our allies, the Front Line States, and other parties to encourage them to press the MPLA regime for a peaceful settlement; Expand contacts with UNITA, and assist UNITA politically -- in its efforts to increase its international stature and acceptance in order to make it clear that: o We have UNITA's interests in mind in the current negotiating process, which could set the stage for national reconciliation in Angola; suppressing UNITA or ignoring its interests; what is required is o Peace cannot be imposed on Angola by a national reconciliation based on a political settlement acceptable to all Angolan parties; Continue U.S. development, security assistance, and humanitarian -- food relief programs consistent with our national values and objectives in the southern African region; Intensify U.S. efforts to improve relations between South Africa and its neighbors, maintain an effective dialogue in support of U.S. objectives with all relevant parties, condemn and help minimize violence and terrorism by any party; -- Pursue discussions with the Soviet Union in an attempt to diminish and eventually eliminate Soviet Bloc military assistance to Angola, and to promote national reconciliation between UNITA and the MPLA; USIA should enhance international media attention to increase the international stature of UNITA's political goals and military accomplishments, and to explain to the Cuban people the real costs of the Angola war to Cuba; -- The Department of State should develop a political strategy to bolster UNITA within the U.N. and the Organization of African Unity, working both unilaterally and through friendly governments; UNCLASSIFIED