Michael Ring
Question:52 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has recently raised the situation in Angola with his EU colleagues. [4280/00]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
The Government, together with our EU partners, continues to follow the situation in Angola closely, including the significant developments registered on the military front in recent months. We remain convinced that there is no alternative to a political settlement in bringing peace and stability to the country and people of Angola. Together with our EU partners, the Government has reiterated that UNITA bears the prime responsibility for the war in Angola. We have expressed concern about UNITA's persistent defiance of UN Security Council resolutions, and its failure to comply with key provisions of the Lusaka Protocol. We have urged UNITA to cease military activities and enter into a meaningful dialogue with the Government as soon as possible.
The EU continues to encourage the Angolan Government to create a political, social and economic environment for democracy which will foster respect for the rule of law in Angola. In this regard, we have reiterated that the Government has a special responsibility for the promotion of human rights, democratic principles, good governance and the strengthening of a free civil society, including in areas controlled by UNITA. Ireland and the European Union have also called on the Government of Angola, as a signatory of the Ottawa Convention, and on UNITA, to immediately cease mine-laying activities in the country. In addition, we have expressed concern at the recent fighting between Angolan armed forces and UNITA across international borders in the area, and have stressed the importance of stability and inter-state co-operation in the region. Together with our European partners, we will be ready to consider how to assist the Government of Angola in facing the challenges of rebuilding and reconstructing the country within a democratic environment, and will continue to give particular attention to the alleviation of the suffering of the Angolan population affected by the conflict.