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SV INTERIOR. Notice saying "Homage to our leader"
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SV INTERIOR. President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia speaking in English from rostrum
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KAUNDA: "As a result of meetings I have held with leaders of various countries, my colleagues and I in the party have assessed the security situation, particularly as it affects our region, particularly as it effects our region. Our conclusion is that African is on fire. African needs to, nay must quench that fire. Our conclusion is that Africa is on fire. Africa needs to, nay must quench that fire. The forces at work could permanently, permanently divide free Africa. Africa has become a battleground for various international forces. Those of us who have African interests at heart, must stand firm, must stand firm, in defence of our various nations, in defence of freedom and independence."



Dr. Kaunda said Central and Southern Africa were passing through: "The worst of crises in our history. The wars of liberation raging in the region have reached a decisive phase in Zimbabwe(Rhodesia) and Namibia (South West Africa) while South Africa sits on deadly time bomb." He said the events had produced a new situation in the region more critical and dangerous than at any time before. "It is escalating the threat to international peace and security. For the first time Africa is becoming visibly a battlefield for international forces," he said. Conflict in the region was, he added, producing an atmosphere increasingly reminiscent of the cold war between the West and the East and their weaponry was beginning to play a key role in determining security in central and southern African regions.




Initials EP/1705



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The President of Zambia, Dr. Kenneth has warned that African is becoming battlefield for international forces. Speaking to the national council of the ruling United National Independence Party (UNIP) in Lusaka on Monday (June 12), he said that Africa should not allow the continent to become an "international football pitch" in which nations can practice the art of war.

SYNOPSIS: The President spoke of growing danger in Africa.