Statement / by the President of the Security Council

Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 4499th meeting, 28 Mar. 2002, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation in Angola"]

Urges UNITA to recognize the historic nature of this opportunity to end the conflict with dignity, to give a clear, positive response to the Government's offer of peace, to implement fully the Lusaka Protocol (S/1994/1441, Annex), including by disavowing the use of arms and demilitarizing completely, and to re-enter political life to pursue its ideals as an important contributor to the process of national reconciliation towards a fully democratic Angola; recognizes the positive initiatives of the Government of Angola in this process; also recognizes the vital role to be played by a peaceful UNITA and stresses the importance of the role of other political parties and civil society; calls on the Government of Angola to ensure further the transparency and credibility of the peace process; stresses the active role that the UN is expected to play in the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol; declares its support for the full implementation of the Lusaka Protocol, and its willingness to work with all parties in this endeavour, and stresses the importance of the re-commencement of the Joint Commission as soon as UNITA is ready to name its members; underlines that the legitimacy of the peace process depends upon a genuine role for, and full participation of, political parties and civil society without interference.

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