Nora Owen
Question:137 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress in peace talks in Angola; and if he will continue to raise the issue of Angola at EU Foreign Ministers meetings.
Written Answers. - Angolan Peace Talks.
The Lusaka peace talks between the Government of Angola and UNITA, which began in November last year under the auspices of the United Nations, have made significant progress.
Agreement was reached before the end of 1993 on the general principles for the modalities of a cease-fire. UN Security Council Resolution 973, adopted on 15 December 1993, welcomed the resumption of direct negotiations in Lusaka and urged both parties to honour the commitments already made by them at the talks in Lusaka. It extended the mandate of UNAVEM II to 16 March 1994. The resolution also reiterated the Security Council's readiness to consider further measures against UNITA should the peace talks not succeed.
Talks resumed on 7 January on the future of the "anti-riot" police force operated by the MPLA government. Agreement has been reached between the two sides that the force may be retained under a future government of national unity, provided that there is UN supervision of its barracks.
Other issues remain to be discussed including the timing of the second round of the presidential election and the role of UNITA and of its leader Dr. Savimbi in the future government of Angola. The consensus view of the troika of observer countries at the talks — Portugal, the Russian Federation and the United States — in a joint statement on 27 December 1993, was that the remaining issues can be successfully resolved.
We will continue to monitor the talks closely and will also continue to raise the question of Angola as appropriate at the relevant international fora.