International Conference in Support of Peoples of Zimbabwe and Namibia

The International Conference in Support of the Peoples of Zimbabwe and Namibia opened on 16 May in Maputo, Mozambique. The Conference is being held from 16 to 21 May for the purpose of those Territories in their struggle for self-determination and independence. The Secretary-General of the UN, Kurt Waldheim, formally opened the Conference. President Samora Machel of Mozambique and the Administrative Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), William Eteki Mboumoua, addressed the ceremonial opening session, in addition to Secretary-General Waldheim. At the start of the meeting, delegations rose for a minute of silence in memory of those who had fallen in the struggle for self-determination and independence. Joaquim Alberto Chissano, Foreign Minister of Mozambique, was elected by acclamation as President of the Conference. Eighty-seven countries are participating in the Conference, which was organized following a decision of the UN General Assembly last December. Also represented are the OAU, liberation movements, UN bodies and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
Dramane Outtara (right), Executive Secretary of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), conferring with Salim Ahmed Salim (centre) of the United Republic of Tanzania, Chairman of the Special Committee of 24 on decolonization, and Dustan W. Kamana (Zambia), President of the UN Council for Nambia. Mr. Salim and Mr. Kamana are Vice-Presidents of the Conference.