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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1993

Vol. 425 No. 7

Written Answers. - Angolan Civil Strife.

John Connor

Question:

53 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives, if any, which he has taken at UN or EC level to bring about a settlement of the postelection civil strife in Angola; if he will make a statement on the safety of any Irish personnel serving with the UN or otherwise in that country; and the level of diplomatic relations maintained with that country.

Although Ireland does not have diplomatic relations with Angola, we have followed with concern the deteriorating situation in that country. We fully support all international efforts to bring about an immediate cease-fire, as part of a process leading to democracy in Angola. At the meeting of the Southern African Development Community in Harare on 28 January, the Irish delegation called on all Angolans to respect the Bicesse peace agreements and to use them as a basis on which to build a new, prosperous Angola.

The Twelve have called on both parties, and especially UNITA, to abide by the Bicesse Peace Accords and to resume the demobilisation process. On 22 January, the Community and its member states called upon the President of Angola and the UNITA leader to respond positively to the UN Secretary-General's call for an early meeting between them. We are encouraged that representatives from the two parties met at the end of January in Addis Ababa, but a real commitment to a peaceful and stable Angola is required from both sides.
In restating the Twelve's call to the two leaders to meet, I would also urge the military commanders of the Government and UNITA to meet to agree an immedate cease-fire. The Twelve will continue to follow closely events in Angola and to take whatever action is possible in support of the restoration of peace to that war-torn country.
The UN Security Council on 29 January decided to extend the mandate of the UN Verification Mission in Angola (UNAVEM II) for a further three months to 30 April 1993. In doing so, it strongly condemned the persistent violations of the peace accords, particularly the initial rejection by UNITA of the election results, and the resumption of hostilities. It called upon both the Government and UNITA to fulfil their obligations under the peace accords. Ireland fully supports the UN Security Council's decision.
There are currently two Irish military observers in Luanda. They are coming to the end of their assignment and are expected to leave Angola at the end of February. There are also two other Irish citizens working with the UN in Angola. All four individuals are reported to be safe. A small number of missionaries are known to be working in Angola. My Department will continue to remain in contact with their orders here.
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