November 12, 2002
The former rebel group UNITA says it is ready to grant fast-track approval for government policies designed to revive the wrecked economy and improve overburdened welfare programs.In a written statement late Monday, the UNITA leadership said it would also endorse the government's foreign policies in the interests of national reconciliation.
The commitment was the latest gesture from UNITA to dispel lingering tensions with the government after they agreed to end their two-decade civil war earlier this year.
The ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola has enough seats in Parliament to push through its legislation without opposition support, but UNITA said it wanted to encourage "reconciliation, tolerance and respect for differences.
"It encouraged other opposition parties to follow suit. MPLA officials declined to provide immediate comment.UNITA, in disarray after the army killed its founder and leader Jonas Savimbi in February, intends to become a "modern, democratic and dynamic political party," the statement said.
The civil war left 4 million homeless people dependent on foreign aid, extensive minefields, widespread poverty and a ruined economy, according to a recent report by the United Nations.Urgent measures are needed to tackle poverty, rapid population growth, excessive economic dependence on oil and the threat of AIDS, the world body said.
UNITA issued the statement to mark the 27th anniversary of Angola's independence from Portugal, which marked the start of the civil war. Three peace accords collapsed before the foes committed to peace in April.
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