In a statement noting the death of Angolan rebel leader Jonas Savimbi, the United States called upon both sides in the conflict, as well as Angola's civil sectors and the international community, to "fulfill their obligation to bring peace to the Angolan people."

President Bush will meet with Presidents dos Santos of Angola, Chissano of Mozambique, and Mogae of Botswana on Tuesday, February 26 to discuss how the leaders, with the United States, can help achieve peace throughout the region, including Angola.

Following is the State Department text:

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Death of Jonas Savimbi, Angolan Rebel Leader of UNITA

Jonas Savimbi has been killed in an Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) offensive in Moxico Province. The death of the UNITA (National Union for the Total Independence of Angola) leader is yet another casualty in a war that should have ended long ago. We call upon both sides, in conjunction with the peaceful opposition, civil sectors and international community, to fulfill their obligation to bring peace to the Angolan people. The United States remains committed to achieving peace and equitable development in Angola.

President Bush is meeting on Tuesday, February 26 with Presidents dos Santos of Angola, Chissano of Mozambique, and Mogae of Botswana. Among the objectives of this summit is to discuss how the leaders, in conjunction with the United States, can help achieve peace in the region, including in Angola.

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(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)