WRITTEN QUESTION P-2713/98

by Leonie van Bladel (UPE) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Threat to the peace process in Angola caused by an arms build up

On 16 July 1998, during the topical and urgent debate on human rights, Sir Leon Brittan, for the Commission, said in the House that he would ensure that I had a response to my question whether, in order to prevent the peace process in Angola from being threatened by an arms build up, the EU representation in Luanda could not give a clear signal that, within the current political relationship based on the Convention of Lomé, the EU could not tolerate a solution to the problem that involved military attacks launched from the territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Namibia and fought with weapons bought out of oil revenues, when 60 % of the population are living below the poverty line and Angolan troops are still stationed in the neighbouring country of Congo-Brazzaville in order to maintain the unelected President in power there, and that it would be obliged to impose sanctions. When will the Commission get around to answering that question?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(7 October 1998)

The Commission shares the concern about the continued high level of troops and military equipment in Angola. This concern has been voiced in the various declarations of the Union on the situation in this country, notably the statement made on behalf of the Union in the United Nations security council (UNSC) on 12 June 1997, following the adoption of the UNSC Resolution 1173/1998. In this declaration, the Union urges "the Government [of Angola] to resist the temptation to act militarily in response to the provocation by UNITA ... and to continue to work for a peaceful solution [of the conflict]".

The same declaration also repeated the Union's concern at the persistent delays of UNITA (Union nationale pour l'indépendance totale de l'Angola) in the finalisation of the peace process, and notably the opposition movement's refusal and dilatory manoeuvres in handing over to state administration the remaining areas under its control. Since the creation of the government of reconciliation and national unity (GURN) on 9 April 1997 - a government which includes members of UNITA - the reluctance of the opposition movement led by Mr Savimbi to comply with the outstanding provisions of the Lusaka protocol has been considered as a major obstacle to the peace process. On the other hand, the Commission remains worried about the possible consequences of the suspension of UNITA members of government.

The Commission is increasingly concerned at reports of a military build-up on both sides in Angola over recent months, particularly since the region is in a very precarious situation, as the Congo crisis with its regional ramifications has shown. The decision to impose sanctions is within the competence of the United Nations security council which, for the time being, has imposed sanctions on UNITA but not on the GURN. This decision was adopted unanimously by the security council. The aspects of the sanctions relating to trade have been translated into Community law. The Commission is following with particular attention the developing situation in Angola and will be ready to adapt Community co-operation to the social, political and military situation, while respecting the terms of the Lomé IV Convention.