S/PV.3323 Security Council

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. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Van Dunem "Mbinda" (Angola) took a place at the Council table.

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II), documents S/26872 and Add.1. Members of the Council also have before them document S/26877, which contains the text of a draft resolution prepared in the course of the Council’s prior consultations. It is my understanding that the Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. Unless I hear any objection, I shall put the draft resolution to the vote. There being no objection, it is so decided. (The President) I shall first call on those members of the Council who wish to make statements before the voting. Mr. SARDENBERG (Brazil): May I first of all congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the office of President of the Security Council for the month of December. Your skill and leadership are proving to be important elements in ensuring the efficiency, effectiveness and smoothness of our work. Please know that you can count on the cooperation of the Brazilian delegation. I also wish to express the Brazilian delegation’s recognition of the outstanding work carried out in the busy month of November by your predecessor, Ambassador José Luis Jesus, a most distinguished representative of the diplomacy of the sister country of Cape Verde. The Brazilian Government is encouraged by the resumption of direct talks between the Government of Angola and UNITA under the auspices of the United Nations and by the preliminary reports of some progress in the negotiations towards reinstating the implementation of the "Acordos de Paz" and resolutions of the Security Council and, hence, towards establishing an effective and sustainable cease-fire in Angola. We commend the efforts undertaken by the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Mr. Alioune Blondin Beye, to facilitate those negotiations, which, as noted by the Secretary-General, are crucial for the future of Angola. The results achieved thus far are indeed encouraging, in particular the formal adoption of principles relevant to the establishment of a cease-fire. May I also express our gratitude to the Government of Zambia for supporting and hosting the talks in Lusaka. The endeavours of African countries, particularly those in the subregion, will no doubt continue to play a fundamental role in promoting the Angolan (Mr. Sardenberg, Brazil) peace process and in ensuring the implementation of Security Council resolutions. Last September the Council took a significant decision by acting to adopt measures under Chapter VII aimed at preventing the continuation of UNITA’s military actions, which had derailed the peace process. Since then, the situation in Angola has improved to some extent, with a reduction in the intensity of military conflict, with relative progress being made in humanitarian activities and with the resumption of peace talks. (Mr. Sardenberg, Brazil) That confirms the importance of respect for the legal and political framework established by the Security Council for promoting peace in Angola. It is appropriate that the Lusaka talks are being conducted within that framework, as defined in the exploratory talks. We note once again the commitment of the Government of Angola to work towards peace and to implement the resolutions of the Security Council. Let me stress the importance we attach to the fact that the Secretary-General has been able to report some progress towards respect for previous Security Council resolutions on Angola. In particular, we welcome the report that UNITA has now accepted the validity of the "Acordos de Paz" and, in particular, the validity of the 1992 democratic elections, held under United Nations supervision. We understand that, as reflected in the draft resolution before the Council, such acceptance cannot but be without reservations. We further welcome the fact, also indicated by the Secretary-General, that UNITA has now accepted the content of operative paragraph 8 of resolution 864 (1993), which requires the immediate withdrawal of its forces from the locations occupied since the resumption of hostilities. Those are positive signs, and it is our sincere hope that as the negotiations advance it will be possible to build on those initial steps and to achieve an early agreement on a cease-fire and on the full implementation of the "Acordos de Paz" and Council resolutions. It is important that the Council continue to follow closely the situation in Angola and the evolution of the peace talks. The draft resolution to be adopted today reaffirms the readiness of the Council to take action, at any time, to impose further measures (Mr. Sardenberg, Brazil) under the Charter of the United Nations, as foreseen in operative paragraph 26 of resolution 864 (1993), if this proves to be necessary. Nevertheless, as I stated, we like to think that the signs are now positive and that such additional measures will not be required. While our eyes are now turned to Lusaka and to the expectations for definitive results in the direct negotiations, the Security Council must confirm and strengthen its unequivocal commitment not only to support such negotiations but also to contribute substantially to the implementation of an eventual agreement between the Government of Angola and UNITA. We read with interest the remarks by the Secretary-General, in his report (S/26872), on the need for a possible significant expansion of the United Nations presence in Angola, should the outcome of the negotiations be the establishment of an effective and sustainable cease-fire. We encourage the Secretary-General to proceed with the necessary contingency planning and to make his recommendations to the Council as soon as he believes appropriate in the light of his efforts to promote the peace process. Brazil will be ready to work with other members of the Council to ensure prompt consideration and action to support peace and democracy in Angola.

I thank the representative of Brazil for the kind words he addressed to me and to my predecessor. Mr. MARKER (Pakistan): Let me begin, Sir, by expressing our congratulations to you and our pleasure at seeing you presiding over the deliberations of the Security Council. Pakistan has always enjoyed the closest friendship with your great country, and, as you are well aware, the Government and the people of China are (Mr. Marker, Pakistan) held in very high esteem by the Government and the people of Pakistan. We have been deeply impressed by the wisdom and skill with which you have been conducting the Council’s business. I would also like to take this opportunity to pledge to you the unqualified support of my delegation as you discharge your responsibilities as President of the Security Council. His Excellency Mr. José Luis Jesus, the Permanent Representative of Cape Verde, conducted the work of the Security Council during the course of the past month with great ability and dedication. He has indeed been a valued colleague, whose wise counsel, cooperation and friendship have been greatly appreciated by all the members of the Council. We are grateful to the Secretary-General for his excellent report (S/26872) on the latest developments in Angola. We are encouraged by the results so far achieved in the Lusaka talks and hope that by early January 1994 the Government of Angola and UNITA will be able to reach agreements to put the peace process in Angola on a firm footing. In this context one cannot overemphasize the very important contributions made by the Secretary-General, his Special Representative, the three observer States and the Government of Zambia. While appreciative of the progress made in the Lusaka talks as well as of the lessening of the intensity of the fighting in Angola, we are concerned at the continuing reports of hostile activities by both sides. In the prevailing situation, we feel that the mandate of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II) should be extended for a period of three months and that the sanctions against UNITA, approved by the Council through its resolution 864 (1993), should not be imposed for the time being. We also (Mr. Marker, Pakistan) believe that in case progress is made in the Lusaka talks the United Nations should respond accordingly, expanding its involvement in Angola. The draft resolution before the Council meets all these requirements. My delegation, therefore, will support it.

I thank the representative of Pakistan for the kind words he addressed to me and to my predecessor. Mr. JESUS (Cape Verde): I am pleased, Sir, that you will be presiding over the deliberations of the Security Council during the course of this month. As already shown by your excellent performance, your personal and professional qualities are of immense value to the Council in coping with the important issues on our agenda in an efficient and results-oriented manner. I pledge to you the full cooperation of my delegation. On many occasions, my delegation has stated before the Council that in our view there is no alternative to negotiations if peace is to prevail in Angola, for we do not believe in a military solution to this conflict. We have therefore been following with great interest the ongoing Lusaka talks between the Government of Angola and UNITA. We are very much encouraged by the progress made so far. After many failed efforts and disappointments, we expect the Lusaka talks to produce concrete and final results that would finally bring about peace and stability in Angola. Nothing should deter the parties from pursuing and actively participating in the commendable efforts of the United Nations in the Lusaka talks. It is only natural that in a complex process like this one we are bound to face, once in a while, some accidents. However, we believe that such accidents, if they happen, should in no way threaten or jeopardize the talks. (Mr. Jesus, Cape Verde) My delegation strongly appeals to both parties not to lose the momentum created by the Lusaka talks. It would be a historical mistake not to pursue and conclude these talks. We commend the tireless efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative in assisting the Angolan peace process and encourage them to continue their efforts actively. My delegation is one of those that, throughout this long and difficult process, have insisted that the United Nations should continue its efforts to bring the parties to the negotiating table and assist them in every possible way to reach a compromise that would restore the peace process and bring stability to Angola. (Mr. Jesus, Cape Verde) In that context, my delegation believes that United Nations assistance to the Angolan peace process is of fundamental importance. We believe that, as requested by the two parties, much stronger involvement by the United Nations will be required once a cease-fire has been established, as mentioned by the Secretary- General in his report (S/26872) - and I lay particular emphasis on paragraphs 41, 42 and 43. We welcome the action already taken by the Secretary-General to prepare contingency plans allowing for immediate deployment of additional observers and forces to Angola as soon as the cease-fire is established. The humanitarian situation in Angola remains critical and requires particular attention by the international community. We call on all States, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations to continue, and indeed increase, their humanitarian assistance to Angola. We appeal to all those involved to cooperate fully with the United Nations and to ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in need. We pay a tribute to the Government of Zambia for the positive role it is playing in creating a favourable environment conducive to concrete results in the Lusaka talks. My delegation takes this opportunity also to pay a tribute once again to all the personnel of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II) for their commitment and for the work they have done under difficult circumstances.

I thank the representative of Cape Verde for the kind words he addressed to me. Mr. RICHARDSON (United Kingdom): Let me first congratulate you warmly, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for this month. And let me thank Ambassador Jesus equally warmly for the skill and courtesy with which he guided us during the particularly busy month of November. (Mr. Richardson, United Kingdom) My delegation welcomes the encouraging developments in the ongoing negotiations in Lusaka, details of which are contained in the Secretary-General’s excellent report of 13 December (S/26872). We pay a tribute to the efforts of the Secretary-General, to those of Mr. Beye and to those of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II) in restoring the peace process on the basis of the "Acordos de Paz" and relevant resolutions of the Security Council. We also pay a tribute to the invaluable efforts of the three observer countries and to the efforts of many African Governments, particularly the Government of Zambia, in seeking to promote peace in Angola. Although progress has been made in the Lusaka talks, it is absolutely vital that the momentum should be maintained. The negotiations must not be allowed to drag on forever. We therefore urge the parties to continue to negotiate with maximum flexibility and maximum urgency. It is essential that all military actions come to an end and that an effective and sustainable cease-fire be established quickly. While the United Nations clearly has a role to play, it cannot solve the problems of Angola alone. The parties themselves have a crucial role to play, as we have said so many times before. The real victims of the tragic conflict in Angola have been the civilian population. The Secretary-General’s report makes clear the appalling humanitarian situation that still exists there. We welcome the increased flow of aid into Angola, and to the most vulnerable groups, and call upon the parties to assure unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance. My own country is playing its full part in the provision of humanitarian assistance to Angola. Our contribution to relief there this year totals £10 million and includes the provision of medical aid and nurses for assistance in (Mr. Richardson, United Kingdom) the mass immunization programme of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The draft resolution we are about to adopt underlines the Council’s determination to see the restoration of the peace process in Angola and an end to the suffering of the Angolan people. It is intended to give further stimulus to the peace process. We very much hope that the Secretary-General will soon be able to report further substantial progress in the peace process.

I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for the kind words he addressed to me and to my predecessor. Mr. YAÑEZ BARNUEVO (Spain) (interpretation from Spanish): As this is the first time I have addressed the Council this month, I wish to congratulate you, Mr. President, on the firm and skilful way in which you are guiding our deliberations; your presidency reflects your experience and estimable professional abilities. I assure you of our continuing assistance and our cooperation. I wish also to convey my delegation’s gratitude to Ambassador José Luis Jesus of Cape Verde for the most able manner in which he guided our deliberations in November. My delegation welcomes the imminent adoption of a draft resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission in Angola (UNAVEM II) for an additional period of three months, until 16 March 1994. In that way the Council will reaffirm the international community’s commitment to Angola and its determination to promote the peaceful settlement of a conflict that has lasted far too long. Clearly, the principal role in reaching that goal falls to the Government of Angola and to UNITA, which must demonstrate the flexibility necessary to reach a satisfactory agreement in the (Mr. Yañez Barnuevo, Spain) framework of the "Acordos de Paz" and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. In that context, we are pleased to note the progress that has been achieved since the last time the Council met to discuss the situation in Angola, on 15 September 1993, when it adopted resolution 864 (1993), in which sanctions against UNITA were spelled out. Thanks to UNITA’s confirmation that it accepts the "Acordos de Paz" and the relevant Security Council resolutions, as well as the outcome of the elections held in Angola, it has been possible to resume the negotiations, this time in Lusaka, with the active participation of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Beye, on the basis of the progress made earlier at Abidjan. The pace of the Lusaka talks between the parties shows that in a spirit of constructive dialogue, and setting aside exaggerated positions, it will be possible to find a point of convergence and overcome obstacles that had seemed insurmountable. We must appeal urgently to the parties to reach a prompt agreement, for the future of Angola and the well-being of its people depend on this. As we have done with respect to other United Nations peacekeeping operations, we must stress that any efforts by our Organization to help resolve a conflict will be futile or transitory without the full cooperation and determination of the parties involved. Thus, by the terms of the draft resolution we hope will be adopted today, the Security Council will review the situation in Angola and the progress made in the Lusaka talks no later than 1 February 1994. If, as we hope, the Government of Angola and UNITA lay the foundations for an Angolan peace process in accordance with the well-defined parameters of the "Acordos de Paz" and the relevant Security Council resolutions, we will then be in a position to consider new elements in the mandate of UNAVEM II (Mr. Yañez Barnuevo, Spain) to enable it to make a decisive contribution to the progress of the peace process. The establishment of an effective and lasting cease-fire would be a first, crucial step in that direction. Moreover, the Council must be prepared to adopt other kinds of measures, including new measures against UNITA in the event that UNITA fails to cooperate in good faith with the peace process. In that connection, paragraph 14 of draft resolution S/26877 is sufficiently explicit. The report of the Secretary-General clearly describes the current situation in Angola, and provides a point of reference for any future United Nations action in that country. (Mr. Yañez Barnuevo, Spain) In our view, the report includes the guidelines that should be followed by the Council in assisting the parties to proceed as we trust they will without further delay. Finally, my delegation considers it necessary to stress that it is important to keep in mind the humanitarian situation in Angola and therefore the need to assist a population which in major areas of the country is still in need of sustained attention by the international community. We are pleased that, in accordance with what the Secretary-General reports, the Government of Angola and UNITA have facilitated the provision of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in need, helping humanitarian organizations and giving them access to the entire territory of Angola. We trust that that attitude will continue in the future. I wish to congratulate the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Mr. Beye, for their constant vigilance and continued efforts, in cooperation with the three observer States - the United States of America, the Russian Federation and Portugal - as well as with the Government of Zambia, to assist the parties in reaching an agreement so that the people of Angola may finally begin to build their future in democracy and development.

I thank the representative of Spain for the kind words he addressed to me and to my predecessor. Mr. WALKER (United States of America): I would like to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council and to assure you of our full support. I also wish to thank your predecessor, Ambassador Jesus, for his wise leadership of the Council during his tenure as President. The United States has long been deeply concerned over the tragic civil war in Angola. We have worked in concert with the international community, particularly the United Nations and troika (Mr. Walker, United States) members Portugal and Russia, to ameliorate the desperate humanitarian situation and end the fighting. We congratulate United Nations Special Representative, Mr. Alioune Blondin Beye, on his leadership in the Lusaka negotiations. We have been heartened by the progress achieved at the Lusaka talks where UNITA has engaged seriously in the negotiations, reaching agreement with the Government of Angola on a range of complex military issues. The current Security Council draft resolution on Angola takes into consideration these contributions to advance the peace process. We none the less recognize that the Government of Angola and UNITA must still address the particularly difficult question of national reconciliation. Both parties need to approach this crucial phase of negotiations in a spirit of compromise and flexibility. While the United States stands ready to assist both parties in any way to reach agreement, ultimately it is only their commitment that will make peace possible. The international community will need cogent demonstrations from both the Government and UNITA that they are indeed committed to peace if it is to assist in implementing an eventual peace accord. In the current hopeful circumstances in Lusaka, we deplore each and every incidence of fighting in Angola and call on both parties to abstain from offensive military action. These actions, which undermine the fragile confidence-building efforts at Lusaka, imperil the peace process. They must stop. On the other hand, we are encouraged by the improved humanitarian situation arising from the overall reduction in the level of fighting in Angola. Deliveries of humanitarian assistance are now reaching virtually all regions of Angola. We recognize, however, that millions of Angolans remain at risk and that an (Mr. Walker, United States) increased level of assistance will be required to avert a crisis. For that reason alone, this conflict must be brought to an end.

I thank the representative of the United States for the kind words he addressed to me and to my predecessor. I now put to the vote the draft resolution contained in document S/26877. A vote was taken by show of hands. In favour: Brazil, Cape Verde, China, Djibouti, France, Hungary, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Spain, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Venezuela

There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 890 (1993). I shall now call on those members of the Council who wish to make statements following the voting. Mr. FELIX-PAGANON (France) (interpretation from French): My delegation would like to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council and to thank the Ambassador of Cape Verde for the manner in which he conducted the business of the Council last month. France welcomed with great satisfaction the announcement last October of the resumption of contacts in the capital of Zambia between the Angolan parties. We are also happy that these exploratory contacts, made possible by the decisive work done by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, led on 15 November to a resumption of negotiations to achieve implementation of the "Acordos de Paz", which seek to end the tragic crisis of Angola. (Mr. Felix-Paganon, France) My country notes that substantial progress has been made to achieve the results that the Secretary-General reported on for the Council in his report of 3 December 1993 (S/26872). This explains why the Council has decided not to take further measures against UNITA. Given these positive developments, my delegation voted in favour of the resolution just adopted by the Council. My country hopes that the negotiations will conclude very soon and make it possible to implement an effective and lasting cease-fire for the whole of Angola. France therefore appeals to the parties to conclude as soon as possible a comprehensive agreement aimed at putting an end to the fighting in Angola and preparing for the restoration of democracy in that country. France will spare no effort to achieve that result. We are also ready to give favourable consideration to the United Nations taking an active part in the implementation of an agreement.

I thank the representative of France for the kind words he addressed to me and to my predecessor. Mr. HATANO (Japan): I wish to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council. Already the Council has been operating efficiently under your skilful leadership. I also express my gratitude to Ambassador Jesus of Cape Verde for his guidance during the busy month of November. My Government wishes to commend the Secretary-General, his Special Representative Mr. Beye, and the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II) personnel for their mediation efforts aimed at an early and peaceful solution to the Angola crisis. We are encouraged by the decrease in the number of hostile actions there and by the recent positive developments in the peace process. That both parties have formally adopted the principles (Mr. Hatano, Japan) governing the re-establishment of the cease-fire is indeed welcome, but much more work will be necessary before a final settlement can be reached. My Government once again urges the two parties to resolve the remaining issues as soon as possible through negotiations. (Mr. Hatano, Japan) Japan is concerned about the reported bombardment of the city of Cuito, which UNITA alleges was an attempt to assassinate Mr. Savimbi, and Japan stresses that the negotiations must not be derailed by this isolated incident. Japan calls upon both parties to honour the commitments that they undertook at the Lusaka talks and urges them to exercise maximum restraint. My Government reiterates to UNITA that the international community is ready to review those measures currently in effect, should significant progress towards peace be achieved. It is also ready to give prompt consideration to the possible expansion of the existing mandate of UNAVEM II. I wish, in conclusion, to emphasize the importance of humanitarian assistance. While noting that humanitarian activities have continued to see appreciable progress and that the two parties have played a significant role in this respect, my delegation stresses the need for the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in need throughout the country.

I thank the representative of Japan for his kind words addressed to me and to my predecessor as President of the Council. Mr. VORONTSOV (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): I should like, first, to congratulate you, Sir - the representative of a country that is a great and friendly neighbour of my country - on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of December. In your complex work, you can count fully on the support of the Russian delegation. We are grateful to your predecessor, Ambassador Jesus of Cape Verde, for his effective and considerate guidance of the work of the Council during the month of November. (Mr. Vorontsov, Russian Federation) The Russian delegation welcomes the direct negotiations in Lusaka between the delegations of the Government and of UNITA, whose purpose is to secure a peaceful settlement in Angola on the basis of the Bicesse agreements and the relevant Security Council resolutions. Thanks to the active efforts of the Secretary-General and of his Special Representative, Mr. Blondin Beye, and those of the three countries - Portugal, the Russian Federation and the United States of America - charged with the task of observing the Angola settlement, the parties managed, following a dialogue that lasted three weeks, to arrive at a number of important compromise solutions, including agreed general and special principles for a cease-fire, as well as the constitution of Angola’s armed force. Thus, an important stage in the negotiations - solution of the military aspects of a settlement - has been completed. But even more persistent efforts are required when it comes to completing the equally complex key stage of securing agreement to the terms of national reconciliation. As is noted in the report of the Secretary-General, although there has been a significant reduction in the intensity of hostilities in several parts of Angola, we receive reports of continuing troop movements and armed conflicts, as a result of which innocent civilians are dying and the humanitarian situation remains difficult. In this connection, we regard as appropriate the appeal contained in the resolution that the Council has just adopted - the appeal to the parties to honour the commitments made at the Lusaka talks, to exercise their maximum restraint and to stop immediately all military actions. (Mr. Vorontsov, Russian Federation) In the opinion of the Russian delegation, the primary condition for successful progress towards a peaceful settlement is complete compliance by UNITA with the Bicesse agreements and the unconditional recognition by its leaders of the results of the democratic elections held, under United Nations supervision, on 30 September 1992. The Security Council should respond duly to any attempts by UNITA to delay the process of securing a peaceful settlement - inter alia, by taking additional measures against that organization, as is provided for in the resolution that the Council has just adopted. We hope that the leaders of UNITA will demonstrate political realism and a sense of responsibility and, in the national interests of the country, will actively cooperate with the Government to restore peace to the long-suffering land of Angola. The Russian Federation, together with its partners in the group of three observer States and the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, will do everything possible to assist the parties in the speedy establishment of peace and national reconciliation in Angola.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for his kind words addressed to me and to my predecessor as President of the Security Council. Mr. TAYLHARDAT (Venezuela) (interpretation from Spanish): The encouraging developments in the situation in Angola that have taken place since the Security Council’s adoption of its resolution 864 (1993) of 15 September this year led us to express the satisfaction of the Government of Venezuela with the current favourable prospects for the peace process in that country. This has been made possible by the joint determination of the (Mr. Taylhardat, Venezuela) Secretary-General and the Security Council to ensure the continuity of the commitment of the United Nations in Angola despite the very compelling reasons that existed until recently for abandoning the effort. Today, the Secretary-General, in his report, confirms that there is a desire among the parties for peace and reconciliation - in our view, a prerequisite for the Council’s commitment of the authority and resources of the United Nations or for Member States to make voluntary contributions with a view to securing a solution of the crisis. During the past two years Angola has been a model of what can be expected of the United Nations, of what the Organization can do to help put an end to a conflict; to lay the groundwork for the development of democracy in a country beset by ideological and strategic conflicts; to assist in a humanitarian crisis of alarming proportions; and to channel international assistance. But it has also been a disquieting case of delays, compromises, unfulfilled commitments and misunderstandings. To all of the members of the Council, it has been a reminder and a warning of the continuing validity of the axiom that, without the will and cooperation of the parties to a conflict, demonstrated by strict compliance with their own mutual commitments and with their commitments to the international community, the United Nations should not, and cannot, become involved. Fortunately, the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative in the area of mediation and good offices, together with the efforts of the countries, within and outside the region, that are friendly towards Angola, have made it possible today to realize that full implementation of the "Acordos de Paz" is an imminent and real possibility. (Mr. Taylhardat, Venezuela) We wish, in particular, to congratulate the Government of Zambia for having facilitated the most recent rounds of bilateral talks between the Government of Angola and UNITA, as a result of which many obstacles and misunderstandings with respect to implementation of the "Acordos" appear to have been overcome. Thus, we are pleased to note that the preliminary talks held in Lusaka led to a resumption of negotiations, which, in turn, have resulted in the formal adoption of a set of general and specific principles on the establishment of the cease-fire and practical modalities, including the timetable for the implementation of those principles. In the same context, we must express concern about the persistent fragility of efforts to establish an effective ceasefire and about the delay in the process of achieving final political agreements between the parties in the light of the results of the elections of September 1992. We fully support the appeal to the parties to continue the process of perfecting their understanding so that, as soon as possible, the international community may once again be able to assess the means by which more effective assistance in the consolidation of lasting peace in Angola could be secured. (Mr. Taylhardat, Venezuela) For all those reasons, and bearing in mind the progress made so far in the Lusaka talks, Venezuela agrees with the Secretary-General’s recommendation to extend the mandate of UNAVEM II for a limited period and to postpone any action to impose new sanctions against UNITA. This is a way to facilitate and encourage progress in the exploratory contacts between the parties and to gain their cooperation in humanitarian assistance activities in the country, in the hope and expectation that early next year a final agreement will be reached enabling the Secretary-General to present updated recommendations on the United Nations future role in Angola. Mr. ERDÖS (Hungary) (interpretation from French): I should like to extend to you, Sir, our congratulations on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of December and to assure you of my delegation’s full cooperation. I should also like to convey to your predecessor, Ambassador Jesus of Cape Verde, our gratitude and appreciation for the excellent work he did and the great skill with which he guided the Council’s deliberations last month. Hungary voted in favour of resolution 890 (1993). The situation in Angola is developing in such a way that it continues to demand the Council’s sustained attention. We have to note that an effective cease-fire has not yet been established. However, the Lusaka negotiations appear to be promoting not only political dialogue between the parties but also certain measures by both sides that could reduce the hostilities. We believe that in those circumstances the Security Council has acted wisely in giving the parties more time to agree, through direct negotiations, on a peaceful settlement of the Angolan conflict, in keeping with the "Acordos de Paz" and the relevant resolutions of the Council. The (Mr. Erdös, Hungary) resolution we have just adopted makes it clear that the international community is prepared to strengthen the presence of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II) if significant progress is made in the peace process. While welcoming those results, we must remain aware of the road we must still travel before a settlement can be reached, a process in which the establishment of an effective cease-fire is only the first step. UNITA’s unreserved acceptance of the results of the 1992 democratic elections and its compliance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council are also integral parts of the process of reconciliation and peace in Angola. In the light of the bitter experience of earlier phases of the Angolan crisis, we must also face the fact that the present situation is still delicate. The Security Council must therefore remain vigilant in order to promote positive developments. It is equally important that no one regard as indefinite the lack of action initially envisaged by the Council. Resolution 890 (1993) clearly states the limits to the tolerance the Council is offering the parties. The Angolan parties bear a heavy responsibility to their people to continue the talks, and it is primarily up to them to make them succeed, to restore peace and to put the country back onto the democratic path laid out for it in last year’s elections. We believe that the extension of the mandate of UNAVEM II for an additional three months should be sufficient for the successful conclusion of the ongoing negotiations and should induce the parties to take concrete and practical steps to put an end to the tragedy of the Angolan people.

I thank the representative of Hungary for the kind words he addressed to me and to my predecessor. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of China. Today’s adoption of resolution 890 (1993) shows that the Security Council is determined to continue its support for the peace process in Angola. It also demonstrates that the international community stands ready to continue its efforts to help to restore peace and stability in that country. The Chinese Government wishes to express its complete support for those objectives. It is in that same spirit that the Chinese delegation supports the recommendations of the Secretary-General to extend the mandate of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II), and voted in favour of the resolution. The Angolan people have been victims of war for 17 long years. In the final analysis, the Angolan people can only rely on their own efforts to free themselves from the suffering of the past and again enjoy peace and happiness in the years to come. The peace process in Angola is now at a crucial stage. The talks between the two Angolan parties that began a month ago in Lusaka have achieved gratifying results. The Chinese delegation supports the Lusaka talks and is pleased to see them take a positive turn. The Angolan peace process has benefited from the great efforts made by the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, as well as by the three observer States and Angola’s neighbours. We wish to express our appreciation to them. The Chinese delegation believes that the removal of differences between the parties and (The President) the achievement of Angola’s national reconciliation are possible only through negotiations and dialogue. It is our hope that, in fulfilling the commitments made during the Lusaka talks, the two Angolan parties will put State and national interests first, cooperate with UNAVEM II to establish an effective cease-fire forthwith and fully implement the "Acordos de Paz" and relevant Security Council resolutions in order to create conditions for the promotion of the peace process and the realization of national reconciliation. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. There are no further speakers on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 1.35 p.m.