§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what part his Department played in brokering the ceasefire between the Government of Angola and the UNITA rebels signed in April; and if he will make a statement. [58912]
§ Mr. MacShanePrior to the ceasefire in Angola, Her Majesty's Government operated a two-track policy towards Angola which was to support the existing sanctions regime against UNITA, as a means of pressing them towards dialogue; while working on the Angolan Government to improve their humanitarian performance, tackle corruption and create some genuine democratic space for possible dialogue. We worked with the Government of Angola, our EU colleagues and the United Nations with the aim of encouraging transparent dialogue between all parties to the conflict.
We welcome and support the current cease-fire and moves towards peace in Angola. The signature of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Chiefs of Staff of Angolan armed forces and UNITA on 4 April is an important step on the path to securing peace and stability. The agreement should be the start of a sustainable process through negotiation and dialogue. 1271W Both sides now need to make firm commitments towards the implementation of a transparent and inclusive political process.