Angola offers chance for new start in region.

(From Business Day (South Africa))

Byline: Greg Mills

Angola offers chance for new start in region Closer co-operation with Luanda could help Pretoria to apply leverage on Harare COLIN Powell's whistle-stop visit to Angola after the conclusion of the World Summit on Sustainable Development illustrates both the increasing importance of the southern African nation to US national interests, and the opportunities on offer after the death in combat of Unita rebel leader Dr Jonas Savimbi this February.

In the company of his Africa assistant secretary, Walter Kansteiner, the secretary of state addressed senior Angolan officials and the Unita leadership billeted at the luxury Hotel Tropico in the capital.

Stating the US administration's support for economic and political reform, he publicly stressed the need not to lose the opportunity for reconciliation. In his private meeting with President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, Powell reportedly called for …