UN General Assembly
2002

often prompted by external interests. Africa seems to be on the way to finding its own path by strengthening its endogenous capacity to resolve the problems inherited from colonization and to settle conflicts often prompted by external interests. In fact, the African Union and NEPAD are based on a new foundation, as well as a new environment in our continent that is opening new prospects for peace and development. We note with satisfaction the substantial progress made in Angola, Sierra Leone and the Great Lakes region, which points to the definitive resolution of conflicts that a year ago did not seem to have a solution. In that context, we should recognize the important role of the efforts of the United Nations and the Organization for African Unity in seeking solutions to those conflicts, as well as the decisive action that some countries have taken to promote understanding between belligerent parties. We congratulate the Angolan Government and UNITA on finally having found the solution to a conflict that for many years devastated that country.