Angola: UN envoy pledges to help country consolidate peace and promote recovery

Arriving at Luanda International Airport, Secretary-General Kofi Annan's new envoy to Angola pledged to work for peace and economic recovery in the conflict-torn country.

Ibrahim Gambari, who heads the UN Mission in Angola (UNMA), told reporters on Saturday that in the pursuit of peace, the world body intends to "better coordinate and further integrate our activities here in Angola."

He pledged particular attention to the provision of humanitarian aid, the promotion of national reconstruction and reconciliation, and economic recovery. Priority attention will also be paid to human rights, the reintegration of ex-fighters into society, mine action and support for elections.

The envoy, whose arrival in Luanda marked his fifth special mission to Angola on behalf of the UN, appealed for the support of both domestic and international players. "Working together, we can contribute to the consolidation of peace and the promotion of sustainable development in this great country," he said.