Mr President,
The Angolan peace process is at a
critical stage, facing serious difficulties. No efforts should be spared to bring it back
on track. The mechanism for achieving a lasting peace in Angola has been clearly defined
in the Lusaka Protocol. However, peace cannot be achieved unless both parties fulfil their
obligations under the Protocol. The coming period will be crucial both for the peace
process and for national reconciliation.
UNITA must remove the obstacles it is has
put on the path to peace. And we expect from the Angolan Government that it will fulfil
its commitment to resort exclusively to political dialogue and peaceful means in its
search for an exit from the present impasse. The Security Council, on its part, is ready
to take its responsibility to help the parties move towards peace.
Doubtless, a successful peace process
requires the participation of UNITA. However, UNITA has still not taken concrete and
irreversible steps to fulfil its remaining obligations under the Lusaka Protocol.
Therefore, the Security Council must take the necessary measures to ensure full compliance
with its decisions. The scope of measures in the draft resolution before us, backed by a
unanimous Council, will send a clear message to Mr. Savimbi that the international
community will not accept UNITA's continued obstruction of the peace process. At the same
time, we believe that the delayed entry into force of these measures will serve as a
useful incentive for UNITA to fulfil its obligations.
The personnel of the United Nations and
other international organizations in Angola operate under very difficult circumstances.
Sweden urges both parties, and in particular, UNITA to cooperate fully with MONUA and to
guarantee the freedom of movement and the safety of the personnel of the United Nations
and other international organizations.
Permanent
Mission of Sweden to the United Nations