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We are encouraged by the South African Government's evident decision to move Namibia toward independence. We are con- vinced that solution can be found which will embody equal rights for the entire population and at the same time protect the interests of all who live and work there. But we are concerned that South Africa has failed to announce a definite timetable for the achievement of self-determination; that all the people and all political groupings of Namibia have not been allowed to take part in determining the form of govern- ment they shall one day have; and that South Africa continues to deny the United Nations its proper role in establishing a free and independent Namibia.
Therefore the United States position is as follows:
We reiterate our call upon the South African Government to permit all the people and groups of Namibia to express their views freely, under UN supervision, on the political future and constiutional structure of their country.
We urge the South African Government to announce a definite timetable acceptable to the world community for the achievement of self-determination.
The United States is prepared to work with the international community, and especially with African leaders, to determine what further steps would improve prospects for a rapid and acceptable transition to Namibian independence. We are con- vinced that the need for progress is urgent.
Once concrete movement toward self-determination is underway,. the United States will ease its restrictions on trade and investment in Namibia. We stand ready to provide economic and technical assistance to help Namibia take its rightful place among the independent nations of the world.