S/PV.3115 Security Council

The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Angola in which he requests to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the discussion, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. a_place at the Council table.

The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on the agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understending reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have befere them the further report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II), contained in document &/24556. As a result of consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: "fhe Security Council has noted with appreciation the further report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola verification Mission (UNAVEM II) (8/24556), which it has studied carefully. "It reaffirms the importance it attaches to the full implementation of the Acordes de Paz para Angola, culminating in free and fair multi-party elections on 29 and 30 September 1992. It coagratulates tie Angolans on their success in maintaining the cease-fire and in registering the great majority of the population to vote in the elections. It is convinced of the irreversibility of this process. "At the same time, the Council calls on the Angolan parties to take urgent and determined steps to complete certain essential measures. These include the demobilization of the remaining Government and UNITA troops, the collection and centralized storage of weapons, and the rapid completion of the formation of the new National Angolan Armed Forces. It is also essential that the police should operate as a neutral, national force. "The Council is also concerned at the recent deterioration of the political and security situation in Angola. It endorses the Secretary-General's appeal to President dos Santos and Dr. Savimbi to exercise leadership at this critical juncture and to ensure that their followers act with restraint and tolerance. The Council is encouraged by the reports of positive decisions reached by the two leaders at thoir meeting on 7 September 1992 and urges them to implement these without @elay. Of particular importance is their reported agreement in principle to the formation of a government of national reconciliation after the elections. "The Council calls upon the Angolan electoral authorities to ensure that all registered persons are given the opportunity to exercise their vote and to extend polling hours on the second day, if this should prove necessary. The Council also underlines the importance of adequate logistical planning and support and urges the donor community to move speedily to provide the remaining requirements identified in the Secretary-General's report. "The Council is concerned that doubts have recently been expressed in Angola about UNAVEM's effectiveness and impartiality and welcomes the decision of the Secretary-General as expressed in paragraph 9 of his report to investigate thoroughly all matters raised in this regard. It expresses strong support for tha Secretary-General and his Special Representative and commends UNAVEM II personnel, who are tackling their challenging tasks with courage, impartiality and dedication. It urges the Angolan parties to continue to cooperate closely with the United Nations and to take all necessary steps to ensure the security of United Nations personnel and property. "The Council takes note of a reported agreement between the Government and UNITA that the United Nations should be asked to extend UNAVEM's presence in Angola during the period of transition after the elections. It will be prepared to consider such a request if it is based on wide support in Angola and if it proposes for UNAVEM a mandate which is clearly defined in scope and time. "The Security Council will continue to keep the situation in Angola under close review and looks forward to ao further report by the Secretary-General after the elections." The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda. the meeting rose at 1.30 p.m.