  We consider the problem of zero distribution of the first kind
Hermite--Pad\'e polynomials associated with a vector function $\vec f = (f_1,
\dots, f_s)$ whose components $f_k$ are functions with a finite number of
branch points in plane. We assume that branch sets of component functions are
well enough separated (which constitute the Angelesco case). Under this
condition we prove a theorem on limit zero distribution for such polynomials.
The limit measures are defined in terms of a known vector equilibrium problem.
  Proof of the theorem is based on the methods developed by H.~Stahl,
A.~A.~Gonchar and the author. These methods obtained some further
generalization in the paper in application to systems of polynomials defined by
systems of complex orthogonality relations.
  Together with the characterization of the limit zero distributions of
Hermite--Pad\'e polynomials by a vector equilibrium problem we consider an
alternative characterization using a Riemann surface $\mathcal R(\vec f)$
associated with $\vec f$. In this terms we present a more general (without
Angelesco condition) conjecture on the zero distribution of Hermite--Pad\'e
polynomials.
  Bibliography: 72 items.
