October 16, 2000
Members of the Security Council today decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations Office in Angola for six more months, until 15 April 2001. News of the Council's decision came through its President, Ambassador Martin Andjaba of Namibia, who spoke to reporters following closed consultations on the situation in Angola.
Ambassador Andjaba said Council members blamed the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) for the resumption of the war and called upon UNITA and its leader, Jonas Savimbi, to fulfil their obligations under the Lusaka Protocol. Among other provisions, that agreement obliges UNITA to demilitarize and allow the extension of State administration throughout the country.
Council members recalled the obligation of Member States to comply fully with Security Council sanctions against UNITA, according to Ambassador Andjaba. He also expressed their concern at the grave humanitarian situation prevailing in Angola, where the war has increased the number of internally displaced persons to 2.7 million. Commending the work of aid agencies helping the Angolan people, Ambassador Andjaba issued an appeal on behalf of Council members for international financial and logistical support to enable the Government of Angola and humanitarian agencies to meet their requirements.
