Vol. 529 No. 1
244 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is proposed to establish diplomatic relations between Ireland and Angola; and the Government's attitude towards the current Angolan Government's policies and to the activities of UNITA. [2166/01]
Ireland established diplomatic relations with Angola on 24 January 2001 by way of an exchange of diplomatic notes at the United Nations in New York.
As a member of the UN Security Council, Ireland has been appointed to chair the United Nations sanctions committee against UNITA, Angola. The sanctions have an important role to play in bringing the tragic conflict in Angola to an end and I am determined to ensure that they are fully implemented. I look forward to building on the considerable progress made by our predecessors, Canada, and to taking forward the recommendations made in the report of the panel of experts and the final report of the monitoring mechanism.
The Government believes a lasting solution to the conflict can only be achieved by peaceful means through the implementation of the Lusaka Accord and all relevant UN resolutions. I welcome the passing of an amnesty for combatants on 29 November 2000 and look forward to the holding of the general election in 2002.
I remain deeply concerned at the serious humanitarian situation in Angola and the large numbers of people who continue to be displaced by the conflict. As a member of the Security Council, Ireland will strongly support efforts to address the humanitarian needs of the people and to build a lasting peace in the country.
