I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 10 together.
The Government have monitored developments in Namibia on a close and continuing basis both through their contacts with the United Nations and partners among the Twelve. Following the agreement reached in Cape Town at the end of April between South Africa, Angola and Cuba, the South African-led troops in Namibia returned to base on 13 May. The United Nations Secretariat have been informed by the South African authorities that the agreed reduction of South African forces to 1,500 troops will be completed by 24 June next. With the withdrawal of SWAPO forces to bases in Angola, it is hoped that tensions in the area will be reduced significantly thus enabling the independence process to continue smoothly and unhindered. We remain firm in our commitment of unqualified support for the Secretary General, his special representative and the UNTAG force commander in their roles in bringing this about.
The next phase of the independence process will see the intensification of the electoral campaign. The initial arrangements for the electoral process are already under way. The Administrator General published on 24 April 1989 a draft registration of voters proclamation. After an appropriate period for the receipt of comments and views the special representative and the Administrator General will establish a final text taking into account the views expressed. The special represenatative must be satisfied that the final text is adequate to ensure free and fair elections and the United Nations is determined to ensure that this mandate is discharged in full.
We will, of course, continue to monitor closely the implementation of the UN plan. The Government have every confidence that the UN will implement the mandate given to the UN special representative in Resolution 435 of the Security Council to "ensure the early independence of Namibia through free elections under the supervision and control of the United Nations". The Government will continue to support the UN in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.