§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their latest analysis of the political and security situation in Angola; to what extent they believe UNITA has demobilised; what arms may be being supplied to rebel-held areas, from where and via which African countries; how secure the frontiers of Angola are proving to be; and what future role for the United Nations they are proposing, together with their fellow members of the United Nations Security Council. [HL1148]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)We are encouraged by recent progress in the peace process, including the demobilisation of UNITA personnel, and have urged both sides to implement the remaining provisions of the Lusaka Protocol by the 1 April deadline. We are aware of reports of arms being supplied to UNITA through Zambian airspace; the Zambian authorities have given their assurance that they will work to prevent this happening. The United Nations has an important continuing role to play in promoting national reconciliation and socio-economic development, particularly with regard to human rights.