The Government and our EU partners continue to support strongly the peace process being conducted between the Government and UNITA parties in Angola under the terms of the Lusaka Protocol of 20 November, 1994. We fully support the mediation efforts of the UN Secretary General's Special Representative, the negotiating parties and the Troika of Observer Countries which consists of Portugal, the Russian Federation and the United States.
During the Irish Presidency, the Tánaiste cochaired the important ministerial conference between the EU and the countries of the Southern African Development Community in Windhoek, Namibia, on 14-15 October, at which Angola was represented. The resulting Windhoek Communiqué reaffirmed the conference's commitment and support for the peace process in Angola and also took an important initiative in regard to anti-personnel landmines — an extraordinarily serious problem for Angola and its people.
Last Monday, Ireland joined EU partners in issuing a declaration in support of the Angolan peace process and the ongoing efforts of the UN Secretary General's Special Representative and the Troika of Observers. While welcoming recent progress towards the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol, in particular the incorporation of senior UNITA officers into the Angolan armed forces, the declaration expressed regret over a number of recent negotiating difficulties which have delayed the process. Specifically, the Union regretted that over the past few weeks it was not possible to secure either the swearing-in of UNITA's deputies or the establishment of a Government of Unity and National Reconciliation as had been agreed for 17 and 25 January, respectively.
In its declaration, the Union has also stressed particularly to the UNITA leadership the importance of deputies, future ministers and vice-ministers, travelling to the capital, Luanda, by 12 February as recently determined by the Joint Commission which is overseeing the Lusaka peace process. It has also stressed that this should be done, in accordance with Resolution 1087 adopted by the UN Security Council on 11 December, without being linked to other issues. The Government of Angola has agreed to set a date for the inauguration of a Government of National Unity and Reconciliation immediately following the arrival of the UNITA deputies in Luanda. The Union has called on both the Government and UNITA to resolve the remaining obstacles so that a lasting peace can be achieved and programmes of economic and social rehabilitation fully implemented.
As made clear in a statement by the UN Security Council on 30 January, responsibility for restoring peace rests with the Angolans themselves. The international community can provide assistance only if progress is achieved in the peace process. The Security Council has also pointed out that failure to implement the agreed formation of a new government could jeopardise the peace process and lead the Security Council to consider appropriate measures against those responsible for the delays as provided for in its relevant resolutions.
Bilaterally, Irish aid has contributed over £1 million to ongoing projects in Angola since 1994, particularly for Concern and Christian Aid, while the European Commission has recently approved a humanitarian aid package of over $17 million which will focus on medical, nutritional and resettlement needs.
The Government will continue to work closely with EU partners in supporting the concerted efforts of the United Nations and other members of the international community to advance the peace process, which offers a unique and historic opportunity for Angola to set about building a new future and for the country to reach its full potential both in its own right and as a member of the community of nations.