§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the progress of the peace process in Angola. [11841]
§ Dr. Liam FoxThe peace process is at a crucial stage. During her recent visit, my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development urged the Angolan Government and UNITA to complete the outstanding provisions of the Lusaka protocol. We hope that a Government of unity and national reconciliation will be formed on 25 January.
§ Mr. LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the reasons for UNAVEM III's withdrawal—the United Nationals Angola verification mission—from Angola. [11842]
§ Dr. FoxUN Security Council resolution 976 of 8 February 1995, which authorised the establishment of UNAVEM III, envisaged completion of its mandate by February 1997. The Security Council's decision in resolution 1087 of 11 December 1996 to authorise the gradual and progressive withdrawal of UNAVEM reflected the recent positive steps in the peace process including the UN Secretary-General's special representative's declaration in December 1996 that UNITA had completed its military commitments under the Lusaka protocol.
§ Mr. LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he makes of the effect of the withdrawal of UNAVEM III on the peace process in Angola. [11843]
§ Dr. FoxWe are working with other Security Council members to ensure that UNAVEM III and any successor UN presence remains in place for long enough to safeguard the success of the peace process.