Security Council establishes new UN Mission in Angola to help solidify peace

In a bid to solidify the peace in Angola, the Security Council today established a new United Nations mission in the country for six months, until 15 February.

The Council unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the creation of UNMA, as the Mission will be known, to pursue the objectives and perform the tasks recommended by Secretary-General Kofi Annan in a report earlier this month.

In that report, which followed extensive talks with both government officials and representatives of the rebel National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) on the UN's future presence in the country, the Secretary-General recommended a new Mission to succeed the current work of the UN Office in Angola (UNOA).

Among its tasks, the new Mission will be responsible for chairing the Joint Commission and leading the completion of the agreed list of tasks that remain pending under the Lusaka Protocol.

UNMA is also charged with helping the Angolan Government in protecting human rights, providing technical advice on demining, and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The Mission is also expected to support the reintegration of demobilized fighters, promote the country's economic recovery, mobilize international resources and provide the Government with technical help for future elections.