Background to the Expert Panels
The Security Council has stressed that lasting peace and national reconciliation in Angola can only be achieved through a political settlement of the conflict. In a series of resolutions, including resolution 1237 (7 May 1999), the Security Council has reiterated its concern over the present crisis and continuing conflict in Angola, and condemned the continued refusal of the Uniao Nacional Para a Independencia Total de Angola (UNITA), under the leadership of Mr. Jonas Savimbi, to comply with its obligations under the "Acordos de Paz", the Lusaka Protocol, and relevant Security Council resolutions.
In this context, the Security Council has also made clear its concern at reports of violations of the measures concerning arms and related materiel, petroleum, diamonds and fmancial assets, imposed against UNITA in previous Security Council resolutions. To address these concerns, and to help facilitate a political solution to the conflict in Angola, the Security Council created the Panel of Experts on Angola Sanctions. This is the first such Panel ever established by the Security Council in order to strengthen implementation of a sanctions regime.
Mandate of the Panel of Experts
Security Council resolution 1237 (7 May 1999) and previous resolutions on the same subject defme the mandate of the Panel of Experts as:
a) to collect information and investigate reports relating to the violation of sanctions imposed against UNITA with respect to arms and related materiel, mercenaries, and other forms of military assistance to UNITA;
b) to collect information and investigate reports relating to the violation of sanctions imposed against UNITA with respect to petroleum and petroleum products, diamonds, the movement of UNITA funds, and the travel and representation activities of designated senior officials of UNITA (and adult members of their immediate families);
c) to identify parties aiding and abetting the violation of Security Council sanctions against UNITA;
d) to recommend measures to end such violations and improve implementation of the sanctions imposed by the Security Council against UNITA.
Operation of the Panel of Experts
Security Council resolution 1237 (7 May 1999) requires the Panel of Experts to submit their fmal report within six months of the formation of the Panels. The activities of the Panel are carried out under the direction of their Chairman, Ambassador Anders Mollander (Sweden), and operate under the overall supervision of the Chairman of the Security Council's Committee on Angola Sanctions - Ambassador Robert Fowler (Canada). The Panel has two components - one focusing on UNITA's sources of revenue and its fmances, and the other dealing with the sources of military support to UNITA. During the course of its work, the Panel will visit countries concerned. The first meeting of the Panel of Experts was held on 26-27 August, at United Nations Headquarters, New York.
Composition of the Panel of Experts
The composition of the Panel of Experts is as follows:
Ambassador Anders Mollander -- Chairman (Sweden)
Col. Otisitswe Broza Tiroyamodimo -- Vice-Chairman (Botswana)
Mr. Stanlake M. Samkange - Rapporteur (Zimbabwe)
Mr. Gilbert Barthe (Switzerland) - customs
Mr. Melvin Holt (United States) - customs
Mr. Oleg Ivanov (Russian Federation) - travel, representation abroad
Mr. Bennie Lombard (South Africa) - small arms
Mr. Hannes George McKay (Namibia) - diamonds
Mr. Olivier Vallee (France) - finance
[To be announced] - petroleum
