Cuban Support in Angolan Independence

The Angolans themselves have done

a great deal,

uh, to win their freedom. But,

uh, it is difficult to accept that they would

obtain their freedom at the time when they obtained it if

Cuba

had not committed its forces and resources, you see, towards

the liberation of that country.

South Africa, which occupied part of Angola,

would still have been in Angola if

Cuba

had not taken, you see, the bold decision of

challenging South

Africa. The entire world, and particularly South Africa, will

never forget the lessons of Cuito Cuanavale,

because that was the turning point in the military

situation in this region.

We also, uh, feel

that, uh, Namibian independence would have been

very impossible, very difficult to achieve

if Cuba had not acted so courageously and

decisively in Angola.

The South African army would still have been there,

and it would have been difficult, you see, to get the

liberation of this country.

We are therefore indebted to Cuba.

We would like to thank Fidel-- uh, comrade Fidel Castro

and the people of Cuba for the support they have given us.

We also appreciate the sacrifices they have made in

Angola

in order that this day

should come.

And as I have already said,

I don't think this day would have come

were it not for the assistance that has been given

by the people of Cuba to the struggle of the Namibian people.