Mr. President.
The decision today to decide on the establish thement of United Nations Observer Mission in Angola, MONUA, marks the beginning of a new phase in the involvement of the United Nations in support of the Angolan peace process. This is an important and challenging step, has beenmade possible by due to recent progress in the peace process.
2. MONUA will play an important role into ensuringe a more secure and stable political environment in Angola. Sweden welcomes that the main focus of this new mission will be the civilian aspects of the peace process. The tasks given are appropriate to circumstances now prevailing in Angola. Not least important is the fact that the mandate of MONUA also complies with the parties' request for an enhanced presence of human rights observers in the country. Respect for human rights is essential tofor the process of national reconciliation.
The international community will continue to assist the people of Angola, as it has in the past. For its part, Sweden has committed itself to continue to provide assistance to Angola. However, the ultimate responsibility for restoring peace and stability in the country rests with the Angolans themselves. We urge the parties to seize the opportunity before them and implement fully their remaining obligations under the Lusaka Protocol, enabling the true consolidation of the peace process.
There are crucial challenges ahead. Progress in the normalization of State administration will be key to progress in other areas of the peace process. Particular attention also needs to be given to the rapid completion of remaining military tasks. The resolution before us demands that UNITA provide the Joint Commission with full information about the armed personnel under its control, so that they can be disarmed and demobilized in accordance with the Lusaka Protocol.
Despite significant progress in the peace process, we remain deeply concerned about the reports of clashes between the parties in the north eastern parts of Angola. The parties must refrain from any military or other action which could jeopardize lasting peace in the country.
3. The security situation is still far from satisfactory in many parts of Angola. In its decision today, the Council underlines the need to make sure that developments on the ground and progress in the peace process are taken into account when the scheduled withdrawal of the UN formed military units is implemented. This will be important to the success of MONUA. We therefore welcome the review of the situation scheduled for August. The parties must guarantee the freedom of movement and safety of the personnel of the new mission, as well as of other UN staff. In particular, recent harassment of UN personnel by UNITA must end.
Clearly, it is now time for President dos Santos and Mr Savimbi to show their continued commitment to the peace process by meeting in person as soon as possible and on national territory. We urge them to do so. It is our firm belief that such a meeting could lead to further progress on the road towards national reconciliation.
4. Sweden, along with others, has made generous provision for assistance to Angola. The international community will continue to assist the people of Angola, but the ultimate responsibility to restore peace and stability in the country must rest with the Angolans themselves. A priority of fundamental importance be to fully implement the outstanding issues of the Lusaka Protocol. This is crucial for the consolidation of the peace process.
5. Clearly it is now time for President dos Santos and Mr Savimbi to show their continued commitment to the peace process by meeting in person as soon as possible and on national territory. It is our firm belief that such a meeting could lead to further progress on the road towards national reconciliation.
7. In conclusion , Mr President, Sweden reiterates its gratitude to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Maître Blondin Beye, the three observer States - Portugal, the Russian Federation and the United States - as well as the personnel of the UNAVEM III for their efforts to assist the parties in Angola in advancing the peace process.
Thank you Mr. President.
Cabinet