Hello Ron, Goalie, et all.
Interesting articles.
Some more news from Angola:
UNHCR To Probe Presence Of Rwandan Refugees In Eastern Province
Radio Nacional De Angola On 20th May
A technical team is in Luau, Moxico Province, to investigate the presence of Rwandan refugees who entered the Angolan territory through the Democratic Republic of Congo. Damasio Denis, from the National Directorate for Assistance and Social Promotion in the Ministry of Assistance and Social Reintegration, says unconfirmed reports reveal there are 2,000 Rwandan refugees in eastern Angola. He said the technical team made up of officials from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the Ministry of Assistance and Social Reintegration and [words indistinct] has already interviewed more than 100 Rwandan families in Luau...
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Annan Strongly Condemns Attack On UN Personnel In Angola
Spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on May 20, 1998
The Secretary-General strongly condemns yesterday's armed attack against United Nations personnel in Angola, in which one local interpreter was killed and several people were wounded.
On 19 May, at approximately 12:30 p.m. (local time), a vehicle patrol composed of a military observer of the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA), a MONUA police officer, an Angolan National Police (ANP) liaison officer, a local ANP Commander, as well as a local interpreter, was ambushed about five kilometres north of Calandula (Malange province). The injured ANP Commander escaped from the site of the incident.
The MONUA immediately launched a rescue operation. The MONUA military observer was found today, very seriously injured, and evacuated to Luanda. After a long search, the MONUA police officer was also found and evacuated to Luanda, where his physical condition is being ascertained. However, the body of the local interpreter was discovered near the burnt vehicle.
The Secretary-General would like to reiterate in strong terms that the safety and security of all United Nations personnel in Angola should be unequivocally respected.
The Secretary-General is extremely worried about the recent deterioration of the military and security situation in Angola. He strongly appeals to the parties, and in particular to the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), to complete without delay the various pending tasks under the Lusaka Protocol, in accordance with the plan submitted to the parties by his Special Representative for Angola on 15 May 1998.
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UNITA Said Ambushed Vehicles In Cuango Killing Several Policemen
Radio Nacional De Angola On May 17, 1998
National Union for the Total Independence of Angola [UNITA] residual forces are still attacking Lunda Norte Province. This time they attacked Cuango District along the Mbila-Musucu road. Our correspondent Francisco van Dunem reports:
An unspecified number of UNITA forces ambushed two vehicles along the Mbila-Musucu road in Moremo commune of Cuango District on 15th May, killing 11 people including Superintendent Lutucuta, commander of border police in Cuango, and several policemen. This was revealed by Superintendent Nascimento, acting commander of Lunda Norte Police.
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Dos Santos Calls For Judicial Reform, Return To Values
Televisao Popular De Angola On May 15, 1998
Excerpts from speech made by Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos at swearing-in ceremony of new Supreme Court judges, broadcast by Angolan TV on 15th May
Honourable Attorney-General, distinguished government members, distinguished invited guests, this solemn swearing-in ceremony marks the beginning of a new era in the life of the Supreme Court. With the appointment of the new Supreme Court president and deputy president, we are promoting cadres of a new generation who, I am sure, bring new ideas and methods which will permit not only the consolidation of our institutions but will also restore the normal functioning of the highest body of judicial administration in Angola.
The integrity shown by those sworn in in carrying out their work is a guarantee that the Supreme Court will continue to exercise the functions which were until recently carried out by Dr Joao Felizardo and Dr Maria do Carmem Medina who have just retired for reasons of age...
In a country like ours profoundly affected by successive wars, which hindered our development, it was not only the social fabric and the productive sector that was affected. Conscience and respect for law and the implementation of laws decreased, that is why it is necessary to get that conscience back and overcome the present situation.
We witnessed with concern, attitudes and behaviour which reveal a total absence of values and civility. Respect for others and for human life, respect for other people's property, for institutions and public patrimony by the citizens, as well as civil servants, leaves much to be desired. It is necessary to cultivate man and elevate the citizens' conscience by promoting laws and rules of social coexistence so that they may understand how important the respect of law is for social harmony.
Moreover, it is necessary not only to continue the current institutional and legal transformations in conformity with the constitution, but also to act more harmoniously in courts as a way to lessen the various disputes in society...
Our intention is to give the country a modern and effective judicial system which is trusted by society and is a true pillar of the law.
Your task is to take or propose measures for the courts to function regularly and effectively throughout Angola, develop conditions for the common citizen to trust institutions charged with administering justice and to be sure that they will solve his concerns regardless of whether he is rich, poor, powerful or weak. Thus, the elementary principle that all citizens are equal before the law should be sacred and inviolable. The existence of organizations or entities which pretend to render justice through their means should not be allowed, nor should there be a judicial system controlled by a political party.
Angola is one and indivisible, and the justice system, while a state organ, should be independent and equal all over the country. There should be no islands where actions against the rights of citizens go unpunished... Mr President of the Supreme Court, I request your special attention to the following issues:
1. Lack of speed in handling cases is one of the factors which hinders the implementation of justice. We count on your efforts to speed up judicial cases and make the magistrates aware of the importance of commitment to their work.
2. The current penal legislation, particularly the penal code, has been described as outdated both by magistrates and lawyers. Thus, we recommend that the Justice Ministry, with the participation of everyone, speeds up the process of drafting legislation to replace the current one, to make it more in line with reality and more effective, taking into consideration more modern standards and penal sanctions, namely for lesser crimes.
3. For humanitarian and judicial reasons, it is necessary to improve living conditions in our prisons in order to contribute to the rehabilitation and not the destruction of man. Our prison system should aim at rehabilitating the citizen in order to integrate him in society and allow him to develop his potential as a human being after he has served his sentence.
4. With parliament's election of the members of the Higher Council of Magistrates, we recommend the effective functioning of this organ with a view to better controlling the actions and behaviour of judges and magistrates.
5. Taking into consideration the fact that the law of the Accounts Court is already functioning, we recommend that the plenary council of the Supreme Court appoints two magistrates, and that the National Assembly names the future president of the Accounts Court. I hereby conclude by expressing my total trust in those who have just been sworn in, and wish them success in carrying out their duties.
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Opposition Party Says UNITA Preparing Military Front
Radio Nacional De Angola On May 15, 1998
The Angolan Ramification Party has issued a communique in Luanda accusing the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola [UNITA] of preparing a military front to launch attacks in Congo-Kinshasa and Congo-Brazzaville. Party President Dungala Garcia said UNITA forces are receiving assistance from the Front for the Liberation of the Cabinda Enclave of N'Zita Tiago, and former troops of late President Mobutu and former president of Congo-Brazzaville Lissouba...
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UN Envoy Meets UNITA Leader In Andulo, Says Peace Process "Deadlocked"
Televisao Popular De Angola On May 15, 1998
The Angolan peace process is facing its most complicated phase. [UN Special Representative] Alioune Blondin Beye was in Andulo today, but it seems he was not well received by Jonas Savimbi [leader of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola, UNITA]. Back in Luanda, Beye said there is a new plan which will be discussed with the government over the next few hours.
Goncalves Nhanjica reports on Beye's visit to Andulo.
On his arrival at the UN Observer Mission in Angola [UNOMA] terminal this evening, a member of his entourage privately told the People's Television of Angola, TPA [this station], that the situation was ugly. In fact, Beye's looks and remarks left no doubts about that.
[Beye - recording, in French with passage-by-passage translation into Portuguese] It has taken longer. We analysed the peace process which, as you know, is not going well. At best one could say the process is in a state of lethargy, not to say deadlocked. It was important that we exchanged frank and straightforward views on site about this issue so that we could find a way out. As our friend here said the other day, the last 10 metres of the 100-metre race must not be fatal to the process. So one must react to this situation. I carried a plan; it is not only my plan but one conceived after intense consultations which have taken place since 12th May.
Once I returned to Luanda, I met my colleagues in the troika of observer countries, government and UNITA. Afterwards, it seemed to us that it was appropriate to place on the table a coherent and simple plan that only requires political will.
I wish to stress: it only requires political will. I will not add anything about the plan because the signatories to the peace process will be invited for a meeting at 1630 [local time] on 18th May so that they can comment on the plan. [End of recording]
As a TPA source said, one could read between the lines. Beye's remarks mean a lot. The peace process has entered its crucial stage. It looks as if peace is around the corner. The discussions around the Beye-troika plan will determine the outcome of the Lusaka Protocol.
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Three Reported Killed In UNITA Attack In Bengo Province
Radio Nacional De Angola On May 12, 1998
There is tension in Bengo Province. National Union for the Total Independence of Angola [UNITA] residual forces have attacked three areas of the province: Bula Atumba, Maluquim and Quibaxe. This was revealed today by Dumilde Antonio Jacinto, deputy governor for the defence sector.
[Jacinto - recording] On 10th May, an unspecified number of UNITA forces arrived in an area five kilometres from Tavide commune, along the road between Quibaxe and Bula Atumba, attacking the area and killing two policemen and a civilian. [End of recording]
More than 500 displaced people have arrived in Ucua as result of UNITA actions and are facing an extremely difficult situation.
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UN Envoy Says UN Mission's Mandate Extended For Two Months
Radio Nacional De Angola On May 12, 1998
Alioune Blondin Beye, special representative of the UN secretary-general, has already returned to Luanda from South Africa. The peace process mediator was in New York where he attended the UN Security Council meeting and discussed issues connected with the national reconstruction period. On his arrival, he commented on the peace process. He admitted that the current political and military situation was worrying.
[Beye, in French with translation into Portuguese - recording] While we praise the giant steps forward which should have led us to the conclusion of the implementation of the Lusaka peace protocol, we are, unfortunately, witnessing an escalation of violence, of acts carried out here and there which are beyond simple acts of banditry. These are serious acts of rebellion and acts of military nature which cannot fail to be noticed by anyone. As you are aware, the joint commission examined the situation on 30th March and concluded that it was worrying. It drew up a series of measures, requiring the UN Observer Mission in Angola [UNOMA], the government and UNITA [words indistinct] and contribute towards establishing order throughout the national territory. [End of recording]
Alioune Blondin Beye is of the view that the two months of UNOMA's mandate renewal will be enough to conclude the pending issues in the Lusaka Protocol.
[Beye] As you are aware, the UN Security Council adopted a number of measures. There are three which should receive your attention. First, it renewed UNOMA's mandate for a two-month period, which we feel will be sufficient to conclude the pending tasks in the Lusaka peace protocol [words indistinct], particularly in the so-called sensitive areas, notably Bailundo and Andulo. Thus, the UNOMA mandate has been extended until 30th June 1998. The UN Security Council called on the UN secretary-general to present a report to the council by 7th June. [End of recording]
Alioune Blondin revealed that a meeting to assess the Brussels' donor conference will be held during the last quarter of this year. He also revealed that donors have already made available 240m dollars used in demobilization and social reintegration programmes of former soldiers and mine disarming. Another 100m dollars will be donated by the international community to implement administrative infrastructure rehabilitation programmes in nine provinces.
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Official Says UNITA Attacks, Occupies Areas In Malanje Province
Televisao Popular De Angola On May 11, 1998
The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola [UNITA] attacked and occupied Quirima and Luquembo Districts of Malanje Province at dawn today. No-one knows the whereabouts of the local administrators and policemen in the area. In less than 72 hours, UNITA has occupied three districts and three communes. The capitals of Kunda and Quela are besieged. Our correspondent Francisco Junior reports from Malanje:
[Junior - recording] After taking over the capital of Massango District, UNITA attacked the capitals of Luquembo and Quirima at dawn today. With this occupation, according to Joaquim Antonio Marta, deputy governor for the defence sector, the behaviour of the so-called residual forces of the Black Cockerel in this area demands special attention, since it has in less than 72 hours occupied three districts and three communes. The capitals of Kunda and Quela are still under siege and may be captured at any time.
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World Bank Grants 5m Dollars For Mine Removal Program
Radio Nacional De Angola On May 10, 1998
The World Bank has handed over 5m dollars to the Social Reintegration Ministry, to be used towards a mine removal programme, and to treat the injured. Social Reintegration Minister Albino Malungo is on a seven-day tour of the United States where he will discuss details of the loan with World Bank officials.
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Talks Held With Namibia On Economic Cooperation
Televisao Popular De Angola On May 8, 1998
Angola and Namibia held talks on economic cooperation. Namibian President Sam Nujoma was in our country today on a working visit. During his stay in the country he held talks with his Angolan counterpart Jose Eduardo dos Santos at the Futungo de Belas Palace. The talks centred on the Namibe-Cassinga-Walvis Bay Corridor and political issues...
[Dos Santos - recording] We studied issues connected to the Namibe-Cassinga-Walvis Bay Corridor. We also examined issues connected to the construction of Lipupa Dam, security along the common border, among other important issues. I hope the Namibian president will talk about these issues in a more detailed manner. All I would like to do now is to express my gratitude for having accepted my invitation to visit Angola. I would like to stress we examined the issues in detail and had common views on all subjects connected to regional and foreign policies. [End of recording]
The two heads of state examined regional and African issues. They spoke about economic integration, not only at the Southern African Development Community [SADC] level, but also in Africa as a whole.
[Nujoma - recording, in English] We feel that we ought to speed up economic integration of our region and link it up later with the ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] in West Africa, Arab Maghreb Union in North Africa, East African Economic Community and later on we will use this as a ladder to implement our Abuja Treaty which intended, of course, to form the Economic Community of Africa...
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Luanda Airport Gets New Air Navigation System
ANGOP News On May 5, 1998
Luanda's 4th February International Airport has, as of today, a new VOR/DME [Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Radio Range/Distance Measuring Equipment] made up of two support systems for air navigation over Angolan territory. This has been confirmed by technicians who tested this equipment.
The VOR radio transmits information on an aircraft's position in relation to the landing area, while the DME provides data on an aircraft's distance from the airport...
Regards |
