YouSaid · the spoken record

Van Dunem Mbinda

lines on the record: 167
first: 1992-03-24
most recent: 1998-06-29
sittings or episodes: 15
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“To the grieving family, to the friendly Government of Mali and to the entire United Nations family, the Mission of Angola to the United Nations, on behalf of the Angolan Government, transmits its most profound condolences, which extend also to the rest of the delegation with which Mr. Beye lost his life. May his soul rest in peace.”
1998-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3899 (1998) · source
“During his five years as head of the peace process in Angola, Maitre Alioune Blondin Beye was a dedicated friend to Angola and to the Angolans. That is why we are saying here that his death is not only a loss for the peace process in Angola but also for Africa and for all of humanity. His sacrifice, his spirit of humanism and his total dedication even at the most difficult moments - such as this moment in the peace process in Angola - will stay in the memory of the Angolan people. At this moment of grief, on behalf of my Government, we would like to pay our profound homage to him.”
1998-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3899 (1998) · source
“Mr. Van Dunem "Mbinda" (Angola): On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Angola and on my own behalf, I should like to express our deepest sorrow at the unexpected death of the African fighter for just causes, Maitre Alioune Blondin Beye, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for the peace process in Angola. The death of Mr. Beye occurred in very sad circumstances, and at a crucial phase of our peace process. There is no doubt that it will prove an irreparable loss. His dedication to the struggle for peace in Angola, once again demonstrated during his mission to a number of African countries in search of support for the effective conclusion of the Lusaka Protocol, was a true testimony to his humanism and an example of his sacrifice, which were without precedent in the history of African diplomacy.”
1998-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3899 (1998) · source
“Today, when a new deadline for UNITA to fulfil its obligations has come to an end, what we can conclude is that UNITA has not taken the necessary steps to comply with all the obligations set out in resolution 1127 (1997). Therefore, we cannot expect less than immediate application of the measures set forth in paragraph 4 of resolution 1127 (1997), for the good of the people of Angola and to ensure the Council's moral authority. The draft resolution to be adopted today goes in that direction and is an expression of the Council's determination to bring peace to Angola. We look forward to the UNITA leadership's understanding this strong message from the international community and speeding up the conclusion of the peace process.”
1997-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3827 (1997) · source
“If this Council fails to use the means at its disposal to impede UNITA from carrying out its intentions, a new outburst of violence will be witnessed in Angola, with serious consequences for peace and stability throughout the entire central and southern African region. The imposition of strong international restrictive measures against UN ITA remains the only alternative sure to dissuade that organization's leadership from war and urge it to take the path of peace and democracy. I would like to draw the attention of the members of the Council to paragraph 7 of resolution 1127 (1997), which states: "the provisions of paragraph 4 above shall come into force ...unless the Security Council decides, on the basis of a report by the Secretary-General, that UNITA has taken concrete and irreversible steps to comply with all the obligations".”
1997-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3827 (1997) · source
“One can see easily that UNITA's leadership has completely disregarded the urging of this Council and blatantly violated its resolutions 1127 (1997) and 1130 (1997). All the international appeals for it to implement its share of the Lusaka Protocol, which is the only basis for peace, stability and development in Angola, have fallen on deaf ears. Instead, UNITA, as in the past, has systematically resorted to manoeuvres aimed at impressing the members of the Security Council and the international community, with a view to avoiding the entry into force of sanctions as set out in operative paragraph 4 of resolution 1127 (1997). The international community, and this Council in particular, cannot and should not let itself be misled by an organization which so far has given no proof of abandoning its quest to take power by force.”
1997-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3827 (1997) · source
“I must underline that unless these forces are completely disbanded, no peace will be achieved in Angola, because they are the main source of tensions and insecurity. As to the process of the normalization of State administration, despite the progress made, we find ourselves far from its conclusion. The process is experiencing delays caused by obstacles systematically raised by UNITA. It remains unthinkable for UNITA to hand over Bailundo and Andulo to Government control. With regard to UNITA's radio station, though steps were taken towards transforming it into a nonpartisan station, very little progress was made. UNITA's anti-Government propaganda continues, now based mainly in UNITA's so- called representations in some foreign countries.”
1997-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3827 (1997) · source
“As the facts on the ground show and the Secretary- General's report clearly demonstrates, UNITA provided no sign of cooperation or of good faith and political will. It has yet to fulfil three crucial obligations under the Lusaka Protocol, namely, the handover to the Government of all localities under its control, the demilitarization of its remaining troops and the cessation of its hostile anti- Government propaganda. As of today, no substantial progress has been made in the demilitarization of its military wing. The figures advanced by that organization with regard to its current military strength are false, fabricated and therefore totally unacceptable. The truth is that UNITA still maintains about 35,000 heavily armed men, equipped with sophisticated artillery pieces and other war mate'riel.”
1997-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3827 (1997) · source
“Mr. Van Dunem "Mbinda" (Angola): Let me begin by congratulating you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the current month. Let me also congratulate your predecessor, Ambassador Bill Richardson, for the way in which he conducted the proceedings of this Council during his mandate. The past 30 days have been a time of high expectations among the members of the Security Council and the international community at large, waiting to see whether the decision and the deadline set by the Security Council in its resolutions 1127 (1997) and 1130 (1997) would be fully complied with, or if this Council would again and for the second time be forced to apply new sanctions against UNITA.”
1997-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3827 (1997) · source
“I am sure that every one of us in this the United Nations will rejoice to see Angola living in lasting tranquillity and understanding with the other Members of this Organization. I am sure that good days are not far off when Angola will no longer appear on the agenda of the Security Council, and the Council President will not have to use the hammer because of a war between citizens of the same country. The draft resolution to be voted upon today has the full support of my Government. We hope that it will contribute to the acceleration of the peacemaking process in Angola.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“This morning's meeting has its merits, since the Council has chosen a peaceful way: to call upon the leadership of UNITA not to allow the resumption of war, but rather to give it one more opportunity to say, "the killings are enough". The tremendous mineral resources that Angola has been given by God should be put into service for the well- being of the country and its people. All the wars in Angola have cost that country in southern Africa a very high level of underdevelopment for two generations, with all the social and cultural consequences. A powerful message for peace, not war, is expressed in this draft resolution to be adopted today. Let it enter the minds and spirits of the leadership of UNITA and of countries in Africa and outside our continent so as to ensure the prosperity of Angola.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“Let me recall that it was the United Kingdom that sent the first demining contingent to Angola, knowing how badly a single mine can affect human beings. Given the work done since 1992, when everyone hoped that the peace process in Angola would not take so long, it is sad today to realize that the fragile peace is again threatened by the risk of the resumption of the war by the leadership of UNITA and the spectre of military hostilities, which have been a preoccupation of this Council. I went through all the records of the meetings of the Security Council on Angola, and I realized that the Council has been seized of the matter at 27 meetings. It has sometimes condemned UNITA and requested that it comply with the decisions of this body.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“I would like to reiterate, on behalf of the people and the Government of Angola, our sincere appreciation and deep gratitude to all the countries that have contributed to the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA), as well as for the humanitarian aid given by many Governments, United Nations agencies and non- governmental organizations to some of the most needy members of our population. I would also like to avail myself of this opportunity to address an appeal to all countries to request that they grant funds for the process of the demobilization of former soldiers. I cannot conclude without commending to this Council, through you, Mr. President, a country which has played a determined role in bringing peace to Angola.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“My Government will continue to use its best efforts to prevent a return to war and destruction on Angolan soil, and it will continue to meet its responsibilities with regard to the defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity and the protection of the physical safety and property of its citizens. The population of Angola, which has been the chief victim of the war and which has not known peace for 30 years, eagerly expects that today's meeting in this Chamber will be more than a rhetorical exercise. Our people hope that other countries will do their utmost to prevent those who are plotting to wage war from bringing their designs to fruition.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“On this subject, it is worth recalling that their previous four meetings failed to yield the expected results because UNITA's leader never fulfilled his commitments. Given its difficulties and complexity, this final stage of the peace process will continue to test and require the perseverance and the patience of the members of this Council. Crucial tasks for the consolidation of the process, such as the quartering, disarming and demobilization of UNITA forces, have yet to be fully carried out by the United Nations. We therefore welcome the Secretary-General's recommendation and this Council's decision to postpone the withdrawal of the military units of the United Nations.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“It is incumbent upon that organization to show to the international community, through practical, credible and trustworthy deeds, that it has indeed demilitarized, that it no longer claims and controls any portion of the country's territory, that its radio broadcasting system is complying with Angola's laws, and that it has truly become a genuine political party. Otherwise, the Security Council will have no alternative but to resort to further measures. The current crisis in the peace process will not be overcome unless UNITA takes concrete steps. This would surely also help to bring about a meaningful and productive meeting between President Jose Eduardo dos Santos and the leader of UNITA at a future date, within our country. I would like to underscore this latter point.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“In this regard, the Government of Angola fully supports the measures set forth in paragraph 4 of the draft resolution to be voted on today, because we firmly believe that it is an effective instrument that will help prevent war and speed up the peace process. Furthermore, the approval of these sanctions will underscore in a fair manner the distinction that should be made between those who comply with the Lusaka Protocol and those who would rather treat it as a dead letter. The Government of Angola has complied with its obligations, acting in good faith and with a spirit of great flexibility. Certain obligations could not be honoured because of the lack of cooperation from UNITA. The onus is now on UNITA.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“It is never too redundant to underscore that it is incumbent on the Security Council to shoulder some of the responsibility in resolving the Angolan conflict, since it is the body which the Charter of the United Nations endowed with the authority and the mechanisms for the maintenance of peace and security in the world. This Council's past experience with the Angolan conflict, which has long been on its agenda, has demonstrated that it is only through the use of pressure, including the enforcement of restrictive measures, that UNITA's leaders can be dissuaded from their warmongering and compelled to take the path of peace and democracy. The time has come to apply the second package of sanctions, which resolution 864 (1993) provided for.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“More recently, the Security Council again urged UNITA, through resolution 1118 (1997), to quickly adopt certain crucial actions or face major sanctions. Still, UN ITA has deliberately failed to do so, as the Secretary-General's report points out, and now it is trying to convince the international community, through belated half measures, last-minute efforts and propaganda, that it honours its commitments. We trust that this time the Security Council will not allow itself to be deluded and will impose its authority by making clear that it will not countenance any further obstacles to the peace process in Angola, thereby conveying a strong signal to UNITA's leadership that the international community will not tolerate any more stonewalling or allow the peace process to be derailed.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“Angola is presently facing the most serious and dangerous threats to its peace process, which might jeopardize all the progress made to date in the implementation of the peace accords and bring about the total collapse of what is currently the biggest United Nations peacekeeping operation. We all know that UN ITA is to blame for this situation. The time has come for it to be called to account for its deeds. That organization, UNITA, has systematically challenged the very authority of this Council by disregarding its resolutions in a reckless and arrogant manner. Such behaviour left the Council no alternative but to impose, for the first time ever in its history, a set of sanctions against a political and military organization in 1994.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“UNITA's leaders have to be persuaded, by all means, that the definitive rejection of war and full compliance with the Lusaka Protocol are the only way that can lead to a genuine national reconciliation and the consolidation of a democratic system in Angola, and are the only way for that organization to play an important role on the Angolan political scene. The performance of such a role necessarily requires its complete dernilitarization and its transformation into a full-fledged political party, just like the other political forces that coexist in Angola.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“If such were not the case, it is hardly conceivable that we would have witnessed throughout UNITA's trajectory so many repeated displays of bad faith, so many delays and diversionary manoeuvres and so many protestations of commitment to the fulfilment of its obligations only when the Security Council is about to go into a meeting. This reveals an evident lack of seriousness and political will. We wish to reiterate that the Angola peace accords and the Lusaka Protocol remain the only valid, legal basis for the settlement of the conflict. We shall not accept any compromises or deviations that seek to go outside the bounds of this framework.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“The Security Council and the international community cannot allow UNITA to continue to sacrifice an entire people and to hold hostage the future of a country which is a full Member of the United Nations. UNITA's posture is totally incompatible with its participation in the Government and in the Parliament, and with the fact that Angola already has a single national army, which owes allegiance only to the sovereign and legally constituted authorities of the country and which also includes thousands of soldiers who have come from UNITA. All this leaves little doubt that UNITA's leadership is not at all interested in the implementation of the peace accords and that it is merely waiting for a pretext to launch a new war and thus force the renegotiation of the peace accords.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“The continuing occupation of portions of the country's territory that should long ago have been unconditionally handed over to the Government administration, as provided for in the peace accords, enables UNITA to preserve its military structures, as well as to exploit and smuggle out the natural resources extracted from those areas in order to go on financing its war machine and to serve the personal interests of its leaders. Concurrently, UNITA's radio is relentlessly engaged in its hostile propaganda campaign against the Government, inciting hatred and intolerance, with the aim of denigrating the legally constituted authorities and trying to justify UNITA's failure to honour its commitments. This type of behaviour is intolerable, and a definitive stop should be put to it.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“The range of the UNITA military preparations leads us to believe that a return to war is imminent. In this regard, the facts speak for themselves. UNITA's main military units, which were never disarmed and never reported to the United Nations, are undergoing training and being re-equipped. Thousands of soldiers who had been previously demobilized by the United Nations have been recruited anew by UNITA, which is also coercing many civilians into its military ranks. Right now UNITA has an army of 35,000 men deployed throughout the country, of whom 4,000 belong to the personal security contingent of its leader, Mr. Savimbi.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“A few months ago the inauguration of the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation and the return to the Parliament of UNITA deputies, after a long series of mixed signals and much hesitation from that organization, rekindled hope and gave rise to considerable expectations regarding the quick and successful conclusion of the peace process and the final allaying of the spectre of war. Regrettably, those expectations have been thwarted, due to UNITA's unilateral suspension of the implementation of its obligations, its systematic violations of the accords and its increasing military build-up throughout the country. As a result, tensions have mounted and there has been a serious deterioration of the political and military situation throughout the country.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“Today, when nearly three years have elapsed since the signing of the Lusaka Protocol, and despite all the efforts that have been made and the resources that have been expended, we find that Angola remains far from enjoying the peace and stability that our people so anxiously long for and that the country desperately needs. The framework envisioned under the peace accords has still not been fully established, and there are still two armies: one, the Angolan Armed Forces, under the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation, and the other at the service of a political party, UNIT A, that insists on preserving its military wing. The country remains divided, as the exercise of the authority of the State continues to be blocked in the areas that UNITA insists on keeping under its control.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“Mr. Van Dunem "Mbinda" (Angola): Allow me to begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, on behalf of my Government, on your assumption of the presidency of this Council for this month. I also extend my congratulations to the outgoing President, Ambassador Peter Osvald, on the manner in which he led the deliberations of the Security Council during his term. Let me also address a word of special recognition and appreciation to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, to his Special Representative for Angola, Maitre Blondin Beye, and to the troika of observer countries - Portugal, the United States and the Russian Federation - for their continued commitment to a peaceful and lasting settlement of the Angolan problem.”
1997-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3814 (1997) · source
“This was the case recently with troops from Brazil and Zimbabwe. We solemnly pay them our homage here. Allow me also to reiterate, on behalf of my Government, our appreciation to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, for his commitment to Angola, to his Special Representative, Maitre Blondin Beye, and to the members of the troika of observers: Portugal, Russia and the United States. We also wish to thank the humanitarian agencies and Governments that so generously helped to mitigate the difficulties of our people most affected by the war. Their continued support is crucial to the success of the demobilization and reintegration of the approximately 10,000 former military personnel into civilian life. The draft resolution to be adopted today has the support of my Government, although we would prefer some improvements in its contents.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“However, taking into account that the military items of the peace process are still pending, we reiterate our proposal to defer temporarily the withdrawal of the Blue Helmets until the fundamental tasks, especially the military one, are completed and the full demilitarization of UNITA is accomplished. My Government welcomes the formation of MONUA and believes that its structure and mandate, as established by the Secretary-General's report, are fully compatible with the future role of the United Nations in Angola. We pledge our full cooperation and support, as we did to UNAVEM. Allow me to take this opportunity to express once again the gratitude of the people and the Government of Angola to all those Governments and Blue Helmets who served UNAVEM, some of whom lost their lives or were disabled as they fulfilled their peace mission.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“People returning to their areas of origin have started food production and many former combatants have been demobilized and reintegrated into civilian life. With the consolidation of the peace process, further accomplishments will be even more significant. Today's meeting sets a new stage for the United Nations presence in Angola and for the peace process itself. The replacement of UNAVEM. III by the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA) is not a mere technical formality. It means that the basic foundations for a future of lasting peace and democracy in Angola have been laid down.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“Angolans do not wish to waste the fruits of this immense effort and the many sacrifices of all those involved in the restoration of peace and in the creation of a new foundation for our development. This Council and the international community must be vigilant in order to thwart the intentions of all those who want to keep Angola's future hostage to the interests of individuals or groups. Our peace is still fragile, but its positive effects on the people and the whole nation of Angola are innumerable. Indeed, the widespread climate of fear and insecurity has been mitigated. In the economic area, inflation has been declining, important infrastructure is being rebuilt and demining efforts now allow the rehabilitation of roads and bridges.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“It is important to establish deadlines for the implementation of the extension of the State administration programme. The permanent cooperation of UNITA is essential as is the supervision of the United Nations. UNITA must realize that its affirmation as a political force in the Angolan political context does not depend upon its continuing to occupy parts of the territory or holding on to its military forces. Rather, it is dependent upon the establishment of the legal political framework set forth in the Lusaka Protocol. The flexibility that the Government has demonstrated since the beginning of the implementation of the peace accords should serve as an incentive for UNITA to trust in the Government's good faith and see it as an honest partner. In spite of these difficulties, we look forward to a successful conclusion of the peace process.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“The extension of the central State administration, jointly programmed and scheduled with UNITA, is facing obstacles. So far, the authority of the State has been extended to only 10 of the 145 places agreed upon. Obstacles and the deliberate orchestration of incidents during the process of the extension of the State administration raise questions about the seriousness of UNITA's leadership. This Council must therefore, by all means possible, keep pressuring UNITA to comply fully with its obligations. The lack of compliance and delays in the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol do not serve the cause of peace and democracy in Angola. They prevent the effective functioning of the State institutions, of which UNITA is also an integral part, and also postpone UNIT A's legalization as a political party.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“The military data regarding troops and weaponry in the UNITA leader's personal guard, estimated at 4,000 men, has not yet been provided and remains to be dismantled, although the Parliament has already granted him special status with privileges and immunity as the Leader of the Largest Opposition Party. On the other hand, the country's north-eastern areas have in recent times seen a massive influx of people coming from the former Republic of Zaire. They include former soldiers loyal to the former Zaire regime and members of the former Rwandese Hutu militia. The Government felt compelled to take appropriate measures to keep the country's borders from being violated. The Government is working in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to resolve this problem.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“We regret to say that these pending issues have not yet been implemented due to the lack of cooperation from UNITA, in spite of its repeated promises. UNITA continues to hold significant amounts of weapons and forces that were never reported to the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM. III). Not long ago, many of them were providing support to the regime in the former Republic of Zaire. Approximately 2,000 of them are still in Pointe Noire in the Republic of the Congo. All these forces must be disarmed, confined to quarters and demobilized as soon as possible. They should receive the same treatment accorded to UNITA troops currently in the assembly areas.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“Although much still remains to be done, its positive effects are now so clearly apparent that we feel confident about the future. As members of the Council will recall, the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation was sworn in and the Parliament has been completed. For the first time since the 1992 general elections, both are now working normally. Their inauguration, even before UNITA fully complied with its obligations, should be seen as a demonstration of flexibility, goodwill and transparency, with a view to promoting mutual confidence. Crucial as it may be, however, the swearing in of the new Government and of the Parliament has not fulfilled all the requirements for the re-establishment of peace. Its impact on the peace process may be affected if all pending military and political matters are not resolved.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“The recent collapse of the regime that for many decades supported the destabilization of some Central African nations has helped mitigate regional tensions and will certainly become an important factor for peace, as well as for social and political stability, in the continent. The Angolan peace process will benefit from this new, improved environment. We are convinced that this new regional context will ensure what this Council has repeatedly demanded from Angola's neighbours in its resolutions - namely, respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity and non- interference in its domestic affairs, as crucial factors for the re-establishment of peace. After a long and difficult path, the Lusaka Protocol has finally entered its final stage.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“Mr. Van Dunem "Mbinda" (Angola): I will speak on behalf of my Deputy Minister. Since he has gone back home, he has asked me to speak on his behalf. I would like to start by congratulating you, Mr. President, on your assumption of this month's presidency of this prestigious body and, at the same time, congratulate your predecessor on his wise and dynamic performance during his mandate. As we meet today, some areas of our continent are going through a particularly difficult and perplexing period. New hostilities have erupted within some nations. If left unsettled, they may create new dangers for peace and regional stability. Fortunately, Africa has also been registering significant advances that may contribute mightily to peaceful existence among our nations.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“The Government of Angola does not think that this is the time to raise these questions about the Zairian civil conflict, because the Council is seized of the Angolan peace process, in which everyone - international public opinion and the Angolan people in particular - is congratulating himself on the victory achieved up to now. We ask the Council to stick to the Angolan question and leave the question of Zaire, as it is an internal conflict of that country.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3769 (1997) · source
“Therefore, we strongly oppose and reject the latest reports suggesting Angola's interference in the internal affairs of Zaire. We would also like to remind this body that there were well-known border-crossing activities before July and August 1975, including the naked intervention of the Zairian Government alongside the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FMLA), to prevent the proclamation of independence of Angola. Everyone also knows of the Zairian Govemment' s support for UNITA to fight against the Government of Angola ever since Angola became independent, and everyone knows of the resolutions of this body asking for non- interference by Zaire in Angolan internal affairs. This Council has the sustainable proof of this blatant interference.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3769 (1997) · source
“We also wish to state that this is an internal matter and it is up to the Zairians themselves to find the appropriate solution in order to restore peace and security without any external interference. Angola has a long record of joining all efforts carried out regionally in order to resolve and prevent conflicts on our continent due to their disastrous consequences for the stability of countries and the well-being of other peoples. As is well known - and this Council shares these views - the involvement and contributions of the Angolan Government in Sao Tome and Principe have helped restore the interrupted democracy and the State machinery. We have never been involved in any way whatsoever in other countries' internal affairs.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3769 (1997) · source
“Mr. Van Dunem "Mbinda" (Angola): I will be very brief. My delegation begs your indulgence, Mr. President, to speak again because there is some speculation regarding the alleged official involvement of the Angolan Government in the Zaire conflict. Some members of this Council this morning, and others this afternoon, mentioned the question of Zaire. That is why we feel compelled to provide clarification to this body. From the very beginning of the civil unrest in Zaire, the Angolan Government pleaded for its rapid resolution and appealed very strongly to the parties involved to choose the negotiating table as a means to settle their differences.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3769 (1997) · source
“We would like to thank, in this regard, all the Governments, United Nations humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organizations for their generosity towards the population affected by the war and to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in the service of peace in Angola. Finally, we would like to stress that it is no longer the time, in this Council, to use language such as "both sides" or "both parties", as we did before, because today we have already sworn in a Government of Unity and National Reconciliation. Operative paragraph 2 of the draft resolution before the Security Council, which reflects this idea, must be clarified, naming those who are to blame and not left as it is to give its current confusing idea.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3767 (1997) · source
“The future of Angola is now in the hands of Angolans, and we believe we will be able to demonstrate that all the statements made on 9 and ll April 1997 were not just empty words. The courage, tenacity and spirit of sacrifice with which we have always faced adversity in the past will now enable us to move ahead towards a new Angola and will bear the fruits of peace and prosperity for all Angolans. What I am going to say now is equally important. Angola, which is in southern Africa, fought a bloody war against South Africa for several years after its war of independence from colonialism. After apartheid, Angola entered its civil war, and today Angola is already experiencing a trend of peace. This is very important because Angola can now join the whole of southern Africa in an atmosphere of peace, stability and development.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3767 (1997) · source
“The draft resolution before the Council today contains important requirements for the completion of the Angolan peace process. The pertinent recommendations in paragraph 9 of the Secretary-General's report (S/ 1997/304), regarding the phased and gradual withdrawal of the contingent of UNAVEM. III, as well as those in operative paragraph 4 of the draft resolution, are proof of the sincerity and responsibility with which the Angolan peace process has proceeded. The vigilance therein reflects the situation on the ground, which leads us to advance step by step towards the consolidation of the peace process to which the United Nations as a whole and the Security Council in particular have contributed, for the sake of peace in southern Africa and in the world.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3767 (1997) · source
“The burden caused by the war is very heavy, and given the current economic and financial situation, the Angolan Government alone will not be able to mitigate its negative impact. We therefore appeal to the international community to continue to render its valuable support. In this context, the Angolan Government recalls that it is time to speed up implementation of the programme of community rehabilitation and national reconciliation, adopted during the Brussels Round Table Conference, where the international community pledged almost $1 billion for the programme. In the same vein, we would like to thank the Secretary-General for launching a consolidated inter- agency appeal in the amount of $228.4 million, whose goal is to meet the most pressing humanitarian needs of the Angolan population.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3767 (1997) · source
“The priorities are the extension of State administration throughout the country, which will ensure free movement of people and goods; the return of refugees and displaced persons to their places of origin; and the re-establishment of normal social and economic activity in those areas. The conclusion of the formation of the Angolan Armed Forces and the social reintegration of former combatants is another fundamental issue to be tackled during this current stage. We are confident that these and other clauses of the Lusaka Protocol will be implemented very shortly. Angola is now entering a new era of its history, one that will bring an end to the almost three decades of war that have ravaged the country.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3767 (1997) · source
“It demanded tremendous dedication, numerous sacrifices and a high spirit of flexibility. The relative peace that Angola has experienced for approximately three years is the fruit of that effort, and it constitutes the most precious thing that the people are enjoying after two decades of violence and destruction. It is also important, however, to underscore that the inauguration of the new Government and the establishment of the new Parliament do not mean that the peace process in Angola has entirely reached its objectives, and certainly do not signal its end. There is still a lot to be done before we achieve effective peace and stability country-wide.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3767 (1997) · source
“The premises are thus established for us to attain our main objective, which is the establishment of the true rule of law, under which the individual and collective rights of all citizens will be respected and protected by law, and under which the political differences and the different parties can find in the Parliament an appropriate forum for discussions and review. The actual beginning of the mandate of the new Government and the new Parliament, an event cheered by our people, by the national political forces and by the international community, is one of a series of significant steps already concluded under the peace process for Angola. That makes us assert that war is becoming a matter of the past, while peace and stability are a day-to-day reality. The road that took us to that goal was a long and difficult one.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3767 (1997) · source