The World - News from Nov. 2, 1988

South Africa has reportedly agreed to the gist of a U.S. proposal to grant independence to South-West Africa--also known as Namibia--within a year and let Cuban troops remain in neighboring Angola for up to two years, two leading South African newspapers reported. Under this plan, South African forces would withdraw from Namibia and U.S.-sponsored elections would take place, the Citizen, a pro-government newspaper, and Business Day, the country’s leading financial daily, said. While not confirming the contents of the U.S. proposal, Foreign Minister Roelof F. (Pik) Botha said in a statement that South Africa had responded to the plan, and “was prepared to be flexible,” while Angola and Cuba “have yet to make up their minds.”